By IGNEWSS
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken its ECOWAS sensitisation campaign to Madina Market in Accra, targeting market women, drivers and other stakeholders with information on regional trade, cross-border movement and economic opportunities within West Africa.
The programme, held on Thursday, October 29, 2026, was organised by the ECOWAS National Office under the theme, “ECOWAS for All: Bringing ECOWAS Closer to the Citizen – Promoting Awareness, Participation and Opportunities for Regional Integration.”
It aimed to deepen public understanding of the rights, responsibilities and benefits of membership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), particularly in relation to the movement of people, goods and services across the sub-region.
Addressing participants, the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Ghana, Ambassador Mohammed Lawan Gana, stressed the need to make the organisation’s policies and programmes more accessible to ordinary citizens.
He said improved public awareness would enable people to better understand and take advantage of opportunities created through regional integration.
The Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) used the engagement to educate participants on the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS), which allows eligible agricultural and manufactured products to move within the sub-region duty-free, subject to established requirements.
The Chamber’s representative explained the registration and approval processes, emphasising the need for businesses to comply with the Rules of Origin and obtain the required Certificate of Origin to qualify for duty-free treatment.
The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) also outlined the support it provides to individuals and businesses seeking to export Ghanaian products, including guidance on export documentation and procedures.
The Ghana Shippers’ Authority highlighted its mandate to protect the interests of importers and exporters, regulate commercial shipping activities and approve shipping charges.
Participants were encouraged to seek assistance from the Authority when faced with challenges involving shipping agents and freight forwarders.
The Ghana Immigration Service, meanwhile, explained its role in securing the country’s borders, facilitating legitimate cross-border movement and enforcing immigration regulations, including requirements governing work permits.
Other participating institutions provided information on their respective mandates and services available to Ghanaians engaged in trade and other economic activities within the ECOWAS market.
To facilitate further engagement, information and enquiry points were established at the programme, allowing participants to seek clarification and receive assistance directly from representatives of the various institutions.
The initiative forms part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ broader efforts to bring ECOWAS closer to citizens by increasing awareness of the rights, responsibilities and economic opportunities associated with regional integration.
SOURCE: www.ignewss.com | Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana