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Ghana's Economy

Accra and the AfCFTA

How Accra hosts the secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area, launched in 2021, and Ghana's hopes to become a trade hub.

Ghana hosts the AfCFTA secretariat in Accra.

AfCFTA

The African Continental Free Trade Area began trading in January 2021, aiming to cut tariffs across Africa.

Why it matters

  • Africa trades little within itself.
  • A bigger market can attract manufacturing.

Ghana’s role

Ghana hopes to become a trade and logistics hub, using the Tema port.

Challenges

  • Non-tariff barriers like border delays.
  • Poor roads and rail.
  • Different currencies.

Progress

Trading under AfCFTA has started slowly.

The border wait

A truck carrying goods from Ghana to Nigeria waits days at borders despite AfCFTA.

Thinking tariffs are the only barrier

Border delays and roads matter too.

Key takeaways
  • AfCFTA began in 2021.
  • Accra hosts its secretariat.
  • Ghana aims to be a hub.
  • Non-tariff barriers remain.
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