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Ghana reaffirms commitment to south–south trade cooperation
Ghana has renewed its commitment to strengthening trade and cooperation among developing countries at the Global System of Trade Preferences among Developing Countries (GSTP) Ministerial Meeting in Geneva.
The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, made this known on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, when she addressed ministers and senior officials from across the developing world.
She welcomed efforts to revive and modernize the GSTP, which was established in 1988 under the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) to promote trade preferences among developing nations.
Madam Ofosu-Adjare explained that the GSTP remains a vital tool for expanding trade, investment, and technology exchange among developing countries, especially at a time when global trade faces challenges such as geopolitical tensions, debt burdens, and climate-related pressures.
“Ghana sees the GSTP as a platform to translate our collective market potential into concrete partnerships for value addition, innovation, and sustainable development,” she stated.
The Minister called for a careful and inclusive review of the São Paulo Round outcomes to ensure that future actions align with the current global context and the needs of developing economies.
She said the meeting provided an opportunity to assess progress and map out a practical approach for revitalizing the GSTP in a way that supports development.
Highlighting the president’s vision under the 24-hour economy, Industrial and Agribusiness Transformation Programme, she said Ghana aims to boost productivity, enhance trade competitiveness, and create jobs.
She added that Ghana’s role in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) places the country in a strong position to connect regional and inter-regional markets, which could speed up industrialization and export diversification across Africa.
Madam Ofosu-Adjare also encouraged members to include digital trade, green industrialization, and small business participation in the next phase of the GSTP.
She appealed to UNCTAD to provide technical support to help developing countries make the most of preferential trade opportunities.
Ghana’s participation in the GSTP Ministerial was part of its wider involvement in the UNCTAD XVI meetings, where the country is advocating for fairer trade, regional integration, and technology-driven economic transformation.
By: Jacob Aggrey
![Dr.Newman [middle] being assited by Prof Abotsi [second from right] and Prof Acakpovi [left] to launched the Strategic Plan document photo Okai Elizabeth](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Dr.Newman-middle-being-assited-by-Prof-Abotsi-second-from-right-and-Prof-Acakpovi-left-to-launched-the-Strategic-Plan-document-photo-Okai-Elizabeth-400x240.jpg)
![Dr.Newman [middle] being assited by Prof Abotsi [second from right] and Prof Acakpovi [left] to launched the Strategic Plan document photo Okai Elizabeth](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Dr.Newman-middle-being-assited-by-Prof-Abotsi-second-from-right-and-Prof-Acakpovi-left-to-launched-the-Strategic-Plan-document-photo-Okai-Elizabeth-80x80.jpg)
![Dr.Newman [middle] being assited by Prof Abotsi [second from right] and Prof Acakpovi [left] to launched the Strategic Plan document photo Okai Elizabeth](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Dr.Newman-middle-being-assited-by-Prof-Abotsi-second-from-right-and-Prof-Acakpovi-left-to-launched-the-Strategic-Plan-document-photo-Okai-Elizabeth.jpg)
THE Accra Technical University (ATU) on Tuesday officially launched its Strategic Plan for 2026–2030 in Accra, aimed at driving innovation and strengthening institutional capacity across key operational areas.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Humphrey Awuletey Williams, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Oswal Investments Limited, explained that the strategic plan seeks to respond to emerging challenges while positioning the institution as a forward-thinking leader in development.
He urged the university’s leadership to leverage their expertise to train students to be innovative and produce competitive products for both African and international markets.
According to him, employers increasingly demand competence-based human capital beyond academic certificates to drive development.
Mr Williams commended the Governing Council, Academic Board, Management, and other stakeholders for developing what he described as a ‘formative tool,’ and encouraged them to ensure its full implementation.
The Vice Chancellor of ATU, Mr Amevi Acapkvovi, emphasised that the strategic plan focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening stakeholder engagement.
“The strategic plan is not just a document, but a commitment to excellence, accountability and progress,” he said, adding that inclusivity is also central to the institution’s operations.
He outlined seven key focus areas of the plan: industry-based education; digital transformation and modernised infrastructure; quality assurance and institutional excellence; industry-driven research, innovation and entrepreneurship; staff development, motivation and welfare; strategic partnerships and increased visibility; and sustainable and green technologies.
Prof. Ernest Abotsi, stressed that the plan must not ‘gather dust’ but should be actively implemented to achieve success.
“Currently, ATU is adopting measures to assess the cost of running the institution, and this plan will serve as a guide to promote the university at every level,” he said.
Stakeholders present lauded the initiative, noting that its clear framework and measurable targets would help track progress and ensure transparency in the institution’s operations.
The university expressed confidence that, with support from partners and staff, the plan would significantly contribute to national development and set a benchmark for excellence in the sector.
The ceremony brought together stakeholders from government, traditional leadership, academia, industry, and civil society.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
It was an exciting moment as hundreds of revellers from various parts of Accra trooped to the Independence Square beach in Osu to celebrate Easter.
Dressed in all kinds of beach costumes, parents were seen with their children having fun and enjoying the moment.
Others made the best of their outing by engaging in other fun activities.
The revellers engaged in games such as football, ampe, athletics while others just sat, relaxed to release stress amidst music provided by some revellers.
By Lizzy Okai
