Policy implementation gap undermining West African trade integration- GSA

The Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA) has expressed concern that the disparity between regional trade policy promises and their practical execution continues to impede economic integration and cross-border trade throughout West Africa. Deputy Chief Executive of the GSA, Silvia Asana Dauda Owu, highlighted that businesses operating in the region continue to confront numerous obstacles, such as time-consuming checks, complex paperwork, inconsistent regulations, and unofficial payments, despite governmental pledges to streamline trade processes.

She contends that these issues are elevating the cost of business operations and diminishing the competitiveness of regional economies. Owu made these points during the re-launch of the Borderless Alliance, a regional platform dedicated to bolstering trade facilitation, encouraging data-driven advocacy, and advancing economic integration across West Africa.

She urged a shift from mere discussions on regional integration to the implementation of concrete actions, emphasizing that the future of regional trade depends not only on the policies announced but primarily on the commitment to their execution.

Efua Eshun, Acting Executive Director of the Borderless Alliance Secretariat, assured that the Alliance will persist in advocating for the unimpeded movement of goods and people across the region. The re-launch is anticipated to reinforce the organization's role as a robust platform for engaging governments and other stakeholders on the policies and interventions required to tackle ongoing barriers to regional trade.

During the event, stakeholders received training on the new National Non-Tariff Barriers Reporting and Resolution Platform. This digital platform is intended to enhance the identification, reporting, and resolution of non-tariff barriers that obstruct cross-border trade, including cumbersome administrative procedures and regulatory challenges.

The re-launch took place under the theme "Pioneering Digital Trade Facilitation and Regional Integration," underscoring the pivotal role of digital solutions in improving trade processes and fostering regional cooperation.