Ghana is stepping up efforts to establish itself as a leading gateway for international commerce, with Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin calling for stronger economic partnerships linking Africa, the Euro-Mediterranean region and the Gulf.
Speaking at the 4th Marrakesh Parliamentary Dialogue in Morocco, Mr. Bagbin urged governments, lawmakers and businesses to move beyond regional isolation and embrace broader trade and investment cooperation.
“Rather than building economic silos, we should construct formidable relationships that expand opportunity and prosperity across regions,” he told delegates.
Expanding Trade Beyond Regional Borders
Mr. Bagbin's remarks come at a time when countries around the world are reassessing supply chains, trade routes and investment destinations amid geopolitical tensions, climate challenges and rapid technological transformation.
He argued that stronger collaboration between Africa, the Euro-Mediterranean region and Gulf economies could unlock new opportunities in infrastructure, logistics, energy, manufacturing and technology.
According to him, deeper partnerships would help strengthen supply chains while supporting industrial growth and economic diversification.
The Speaker stressed that regional economic blocs should remain outward-looking and seek practical partnerships that create shared prosperity across markets.
Highlighting Ghana's position on the Gulf of Guinea, Mr. Bagbin said the country is uniquely placed to serve as a commercial and logistics hub for West Africa.
He pointed to ongoing investments in the ports of Tema and Takoradi as evidence of Ghana's commitment to strengthening its role in regional and global trade.
Tema Port remains the country's largest maritime gateway, while Takoradi Port plays a crucial role in supporting mineral exports, oil and gas operations and cargo movement within the western corridor.
The Speaker also referenced Ghana's hosting of the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), describing it as a significant advantage in the country's efforts to promote trade integration and attract international investment.
Building a Competitive Trade Hub
Mr. Bagbin noted that stronger trade connectivity could help Ghana diversify exports, create jobs and improve competitiveness. He linked this vision to the country's National Export Development Strategy, which seeks to increase non-traditional exports and expand value-added production.
However, he acknowledged that achieving Ghana's gateway ambition will require continued improvements in customs efficiency, transport infrastructure, logistics systems and the overall business environment.
The Marrakesh Parliamentary Dialogue brought together policymakers, parliamentarians and business leaders to discuss trade integration, investment, artificial intelligence and sustainable development.
For Ghana, the forum provided an opportunity to showcase its ambition to become a strategic commercial bridge connecting Africa with key global markets.
As global supply chains continue to evolve, Ghana is positioning itself as a stable, well-connected destination for businesses seeking access to Africa's growing economic opportunities.
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