Joshua Ansah, the Secretary-General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), has called for a robust focus on intra-African trade as a pathway to strengthening the continent’s economies and asserting global influence. He believes that increased collaboration and trade among African nations will not only benefit the continent but also prompt international powers, like the United States, to reassess their trade policies towards Africa.
Speaking on the pressing need for economic self-reliance, Mr. Ansah emphasized the role of local industries and workforce development in driving this transformation.
“This is the time for our governments to step up and support local industries to produce more. It’s crucial to equip our workers with the skills they need to thrive in a competitive global environment. We must prioritize opening our markets to neighboring countries, fostering trade within our borders,” he said.
He added, “When Africans begin trading effectively among ourselves, we will disrupt global trade dynamics. The Americans might even become envious and start reconsidering the taxes and tariffs they’ve imposed on us.”
His remarks come amidst growing frustration over tariffs imposed by the United States under former President Donald Trump’s administration. These measures include a 35% tax on Chinese goods and a 20% tariff on exports from the European Union. In Ghana, a 10% tax on exported goods has caused widespread concern among exporters and business leaders.
Ghanaian exporters, in particular, are feeling the pinch, as the new tariffs threaten to undermine their profitability and restrict access to vital international markets. This has sparked calls for innovative strategies to shield African economies from external shocks and exploit the opportunities within the continent.
Mr. Ansah’s vision aligns with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to create a single market for goods and services, boost industrialization, and increase economic resilience. He believes that a united Africa, trading within its borders, could redefine global economic relationships and diminish dependency on Western economies.
“The future of Africa lies in our hands. By strengthening our intra-continental trade, we can achieve economic independence and force the world to treat us as equal partners,” he concluded.
The call to action from the TUC Secretary-General resonates with a broader desire for African nations to move away from reliance on external markets and chart a course toward self-sufficiency and shared prosperity.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
