Imagine a scenario where customs clearance becomes faster, trade costs drop significantly, and Ghana's economy gains renewed momentum. This is not a distant dream but a tangible reality being pursued through the joint efforts of the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
To further support Ghana's National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC) and advance the implementation of the Mercator Programme, WCO and UNCTAD co-organized a capacity-building workshop in Ghana from August 29 to September 1, 2016. The event brought together 37 representatives from Ghana's NTFC, including 18 women, reflecting a strong commitment to gender equality.
Building on Previous Progress
This workshop followed earlier sessions held in January and May 2016, forming part of an ongoing initiative to strengthen Ghana's trade facilitation capabilities. Key discussion topics included global supply chain dynamics, trade facilitation projects, performance metrics, donor engagement mechanisms, and the revised Kyoto Convention. These elements were examined in the context of implementing the World Trade Organization's Trade Facilitation Agreement (WTO TFA).
The workshop employed an interactive blended learning approach, combining expert lectures with group exercises and role-playing scenarios. This dynamic methodology enhanced participant engagement and knowledge retention. As a tangible outcome, NTFC members developed draft project proposals for two Category B and six Category C measures based on prior classification work, laying groundwork for future trade facilitation initiatives.
South-South Knowledge Sharing
A notable feature of the workshop was the participation of Botswana Unified Revenue Service, which shared its experiences as chair of Botswana's NTFC. This South-South cooperation model provided Ghana with valuable insights and practical solutions, demonstrating the power of peer learning among developing nations.
Plans were announced for additional NTFC support activities scheduled for late November 2016, with funding provided by the UK's HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and technical expertise from WCO and UNCTAD.
Key Workshop Focus Areas
Global Supply Chain Dynamics
Participants gained deeper understanding of international supply chain operations and Ghana's position within global trade networks, enabling more contextually appropriate policy development.
Project Implementation Frameworks
The workshop provided practical guidance on designing, executing, and evaluating trade facilitation projects to maximize efficiency gains and cost reductions.
Performance Measurement
Attendees learned to utilize standardized metrics for assessing the impact of trade facilitation measures, creating accountability mechanisms for ongoing initiatives.
Stakeholder Engagement
Strategies for effective donor collaboration were discussed, including proposal development, negotiation techniques, and funding management.
Regulatory Harmonization
The revised Kyoto Convention's role in WTO TFA implementation was analyzed, with particular attention to adapting international standards to Ghana's national context.
Ghana's NTFC: Driving Trade Modernization
As Ghana's coordinating body for trade facilitation, the NTFC plays a pivotal role in:
- Developing national trade facilitation strategies
- Ensuring inter-agency coordination
- Monitoring implementation progress
- Facilitating international partnerships
- Advising government policymakers
The Mercator Programme: Accelerating WTO TFA Implementation
WCO's Mercator Programme provides developing countries with technical assistance and capacity building to:
- Assess trade facilitation needs
- Develop national implementation roadmaps
- Modernize customs operations
- Strengthen public-private collaboration
- Leverage digital solutions
Looking Ahead
The collaborative efforts of WCO, UNCTAD, and HMRC are yielding measurable improvements in Ghana's trade environment. As NTFC capabilities continue to strengthen and WTO TFA provisions are implemented, Ghana stands to benefit from reduced trade costs, enhanced efficiency, and greater economic competitiveness on the global stage.