Minister-designate for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has emphasized the need for Ghana to align with international standards to boost the country’s access to global markets and attract foreign investment.
During her appearance before Parliament’s Appointment Committee on January 21, Ofosu-Adjare outlined critical steps to improve the nation’s economic outlook.
She stressed the importance of regulating agricultural inputs and addressing social issues to enhance Ghana’s competitiveness.
“It is crucial that we do the right things to access international markets,” she explained, underscoring the Ministry of Food and Agriculture’s commitment to ensuring the use of only approved chemicals in agricultural production.
Ofosu-Adjare also highlighted the risks of failing to meet global standards, stating, “If we work hard but our products fail to meet international standards, we are doing ourselves a disservice.”
In addition, she called for collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection to address issues like child labor, ensuring compliance with ethical trade requirements.
The Minister-designate also advocated for improved standardization and capacity-building efforts, explaining that better knowledge and skills in these areas would help Ghana meet international trade standards.
“With better standardization and capacity building, we can increase exports, generate revenue, and build a more stable economy,” she concluded.