Accra, Ghana, 19 March 2025. H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe, TradeMark Africa (TMA) Board Chair and former Prime Minister of Ethiopia, sat down with H.E. John Mahama, President of Ghana, at the Flagstaff House. They discussed how TMA’s work on trade facilitation and regional integration aligns with Ghana’s priorities and the broader African Continental Free Trade Area ambitions.
Earlier in the week, H.E Hailemariam had delivered a rousing lecture at the AfCFTA Secretariat (read speech here or watch it here) calling on leaders to turn political will into concrete action, because that’s the only way to turn Agenda 2063 ambitions to impact. So, this meet-and-greet was about getting things moving. TMA shared updates on some interventions that are making a difference on the ground:
- Coordinated Border Management (CBM) Assessment at Noe-Elubo
- Upgrades at the Elubo border to ease trade flow
- Customs-to-Customs Information Exchange to streamline cross-border procedures
- Operationalising the Akanu-Noepe Joint Border Post (JBP)
- Keeping the Ghana Programme Oversight Committee running smoothly
The conversation naturally turned to Ghana’s role as a regional trade hub and the need to boost trade infrastructure, digital systems, and collaboration between agencies. President Mahama made it clear he’s on board with trade facilitation reforms and voiced strong support for TMA’s work in Ghana.
TMA, in turn, asked for his high-level backing to speed up the Ghana Country Programme—particularly by strengthening ties with key government players like the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ministry of Roads and Highways, Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Customs, and other regulatory bodies.
The two States Men urged present executives to work together to enhance Ghana’s trade competitiveness and cement its leadership in regional economic growth. It was a productive meeting that left both sides committed to pushing forward with a shared vision.
