Ghana is set to play a more active role in shaping global trade discussions following its election to the Steering Committee of the Parliamentary Conference on the World Trade Organization (WTO).
The four-year appointment places the country at the heart of parliamentary decision-making on international trade, giving it a platform to advocate for the interests of developing economies within the multilateral trading system.
Announcing the development, Alexander Roosevelt Hotordze, Chairman of Parliament’s Trade, Industry and Tourism Committee, said he and Michael Okyere Baafi, the Ranking Member, would represent Ghana on the Committee.
He noted that Ghana’s inclusion reflects growing recognition of its contributions to global trade dialogue, following active participation and sustained diplomatic engagement at recent international parliamentary meetings.
The Steering Committee, which includes representatives from various national parliaments and institutions such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the European Parliament, is responsible for setting the agenda and guiding the work of the Parliamentary Conference.
Ghana’s new role is expected to enhance its ability to influence policy discussions, particularly on issues such as trade fairness, market access, and economic development for emerging economies.
Mr Hotordze described the appointment as an opportunity for Ghana to help shape inclusive, rules-based trade policies while amplifying the voice of Africa and other developing regions in global economic governance.
A formal notification of the appointment is expected to be presented to Alban Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament, in the coming days.
Observers say the development signals Ghana’s growing diplomatic footprint and its ambition to play a leading role in international trade negotiations and policy formulation.
