By Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
Ghana has taken a decisive step to address long-standing challenges in the country’s online trade ecosystem with the inauguration of a 26-member National E-Commerce Steering Committee.
The new body is expected not only to position Ghana in the global digital marketplace but also to fix critical bottlenecks such as insecure online payments, limited cross-border trade facilitation, and weak last-mile delivery systems, issues that have slowed the growth of the sector for years.
Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Sampson Ahi, who inaugurated the committee on behalf of the Sector Minister, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, stressed that the platform was about practical solutions rather than symbolism.
“Our people must not only buy and sell online, they must do so safely, efficiently, and competitively on the global stage. This committee is expected to deliver strategies that will make that a reality,” he said.
Chief Director of the Ministry and Committee Chair, Noah Tumfo, pledged that the team would work closely with regulators, industry players, and innovators to ensure e-commerce becomes a driver of inclusive economic growth.
E-commerce in Ghana is valued at over US$1.3 billion in 2024, and projections show it could double by 2028 if structural challenges are addressed. Rural artisans, small businesses, and youth entrepreneurs stand to gain the most from increased digital trade opportunities.
The Committee draws its members from government agencies, the private sector, academia, and regulatory institutions, creating a rare inter-sectoral platform. Stakeholders believe its success could transform Ghana into a regional hub for e-commerce in West Africa, especially at a time when the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is expanding digital trade across the continent.
