By Savannah Pokuaah Duah
Taking turns in the Presidential Encounter at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) on Friday, November 22, 2024, the Flag-bearer for the Movement for Change, Alan Kyerematen, highlighted his key role in shaping Ghana’s trade and commerce landscape.
As the Chief Architect and lead negotiator for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Kyerematen takes pride in his accomplishment, describing it as a “major development”.
“I literally designed and led the execution of the African Continental Free Trade Area. This is basically a major development,” he stated.
Kyerematen’s experience in trade and commerce is extensive, having served as Minister for Trade under President Nana Akufo-Addo’s government.
He also successfully campaigned to bring the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) headquarters to Ghana.
To boost domestic trade, Kyerematen proposes establishing a trader’s bank to provide cheap credit to traders, particularly women. “One of the first commitments that I will execute is to establish a trader’s bank… And that will provide cheap credit for all the people who are engaged in commerce,” he explained.
Alan Kyerematen also plans to develop modern market infrastructure, complete with kindergartens, clinics, and modern lorry terminals.
He emphasized the need to improve market conditions, saying, “If you go into the markets, the conditions in the market, frankly, I always pity our women… When it rains, when there’s heat, conditions are so bad.”
Kyerematen stresses the importance of export trade, citing it as crucial to stabilizing Ghana’s local currency. “The key to stabilizing our local currency is to export more,” he stated.
He aims to increase export revenue to $30 billion by 2030, a significant jump from the current $2-4 million.
