The NCO
The establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement marked a historic turn on Africa’s journey to self-sufficiency and economic development. In an unprecedented move by the 18th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of States and Governments of the African Union (AU), 54 African States entered into Agreement to boost intra-African trade, creating a single, duty-free, quota-free market, encompassing the entire African Continent.
The National AfCFTA Coordination Office has been established under the Ministry of Trade and Industry as a central point for coordinating the Government of Ghana’s strategic and tactical responses to the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement. In addition, the NCO serves as a liaison office between the Ministry of Trade and Industry and other stakeholders in Ghana and the AfCFTA Secretariat.
The establishment of the National Office is also in accordance with the Host Country Agreement, which requires the Host Country to appoint a representational office to facilitate the work of the Secretariat with the appropriate Authorities and International Organisations, duly accredited within the jurisdiction of the Government of Ghana.
FUNCTIONS OF THE NATIONAL AfCFTA COORDINATION OFFICE
The functions of the National Coordination Office are:
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1
Secure Ghana’s interests under AfCFTA
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2
Coordinate the work of the Technical Working Groups for Boosting Trade with Africa
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3
Implementation of National Policy Framework
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4
Support to Ghanaian Enterprises
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5
Research and Market Access Information to Ghanaian Stakeholders
Dr. Fareed Kwesi Arthur
National Coordinator
Hon Catherine Abelema Afeku
Head, Strategic Communication
Mr Jacob Gyamfi-Aidoo
Senior Advisor, Stakeholder Engagements & Capacity Building