Minister-designate for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare has emphasised the importance of adhering to international standards to expand Ghana’s access to global markets.
She highlighted key steps, including the regulation of agricultural inputs and addressing social issues, to enhance the country's economic prospects.
Appearing before Parliament's Appointment Committee for vetting on Wednesday, January 21, she said: “It is important that we do the right things to access international markets."
She also pointed out the Ministry of Food and Agriculture’s commitment to ensuring that only approved chemicals are used in agricultural production.
She noted that failing to meet international standards undermines the nation’s efforts, adding, “If we work hard but our produce and products fail to meet international standards, we are doing ourselves a disservice.”
Madam Ofosu-Adjare also stressed addressing issues such as child labour in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection to ensure compliance with ethical trade requirements.
She underscored the need for improved standardisation and capacity building to boost compliance with global trade standards.
For standardisation, we need to up our game as a country. Sometimes, there is a lack of knowledge. So if we do capacity building, we should be able to fall within the standards,” she said.
By enhancing these areas, she asserted, Ghana could increase exports, generate intended revenues, and achieve a stable economy.
When all these things are done right, our exports will go up, and at the end of the day, we will have a stable economy," she concluded.
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