ECOWAS supports Ghana’s drive to strengthen competition and consumer protection framework

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), through its Regional Competition Authority (ERCA), has reiterated its commitment to assisting Ghana in the development and implementation of a comprehensive Competition and Consumer Protection Law aimed at safeguarding fair-market practices and consumer welfare.

An 11-member delegation from ERCA, led by its Executive Director, Dr Simeon Konan Koffi, paid a courtesy call on Ghana’s Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, on 9th September 2025 in Accra.

The visit formed part of ongoing efforts to deepen cooperation between ECOWAS member states in promoting transparent, efficient, and competitive markets across the sub-region.

Discussions during the meeting focused on strengthening institutional and policy frameworks that would encourage fair competition, prevent monopolistic practices, and ensure equitable protection for consumers and businesses alike.

The delegation and the minister explored avenues for technical assistance, policy alignment, and regulatory harmonisation, in keeping with Ghana’s commitment to establishing a robust national competition authority.

According to ERCA, the initiative aligns with ECOWAS Vision 2050, which prioritises regional economic integration, market fairness, and sustainable growth driven by private sector dynamism and consumer confidence.

Dr Koffi emphasised that ECOWAS’ role goes beyond regional advocacy—it extends to capacity building, knowledge exchange, and the creation of common standards that enable all member states to thrive within a fair trading environment.

Ms Ofosu-Adjare, for her part, expressed appreciation for ECOWAS’ continued partnership, describing the move as a timely boost to Ghana’s domestic reforms in trade regulation and market governance.

She reaffirmed the government’s resolve to enact a Competition and Consumer Protection Law that promotes innovation, safeguards consumers, and ensures equal opportunity for enterprises across all sectors.

The engagement marks another milestone in ECOWAS’ broader goal of fostering an integrated and competitive regional market that supports economic efficiency, consumer protection, and inclusive growth, pillars essential to West Africa’s sustainable development agenda.

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