A 13-member committee has been inaugurated to oversee the implementation of the National Export Development Strategy (NEDS).

NEDS, launched in 2020 and spearheaded by the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), aims to transform Ghana’s traditional raw commodities-based economy into a competitive export-led industrialized economy capable of generating revenue of at least $25.3 billion by the year 2029.

Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, Herbert Krapa, who led the ceremony, assured the committee members of the Ministry’s commitment to see to the full implementation of the strategy.

“The Ministry is strongly behind the implementation of the NEDS, but I believe a strong concerted effort from all of us will bring us the success we seek to achieve,” he said.

He added that the Ministry will work closely with the committee to build the capacity needed to take maximum advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He said GEPA has begun rolling out a sensitization campaign across all districts in the country to educate key stakeholders about NEDS and AfCFTA.

Mr Krapa stated that Ghana, through its participation in AfCFTA, is already recording some significant gains as the recently-launched NTE statistics report has indicated a 17% increment, which reflects $3.3 billion in export revenue.

The committee, chaired by Yaw Asuo Banin include Patrick Yaw Nimo, (Chief Director, Ministry of Trade and Industry), Dr Afua Asabea Asare, (CEO, Ghana Export Promotion Authority), Kosi Yankey-Ayeh, (CEO of Ghana Enterprises Agency), Reginal Yofi Grant, (CEO of Ghana Investment Promotion Center), Seth Twum Akwaboah, (CEO of Association of Ghanaian Industries), Marjorie Abdin, (Vice President, Federation of Association of Ghana Exporters) and Mark Badu Abongye, (CEO, Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry).

The rest are Lawrence Agyinsam, (CEO of the Ghana Export-Import Bank), Mike Oquaye Jnr., (CEO of Ghana Free Zones Authority), Professor Alexander Dodoo, (CEO of Ghana Standards Authority), Benonita Bismarck, (CEO, Ghana Shippers Authority), Delese Mimi Darko, (CEO of Food and Drugs Authority) and Eric Bentsil Quaye, (Director of Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate).