The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry held talks with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, as both sides seek to broaden economic ties and advance negotiations toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Ghana and the United Arab Emirates.
The meeting, held in Accra, focused on deepening bilateral trade and investment cooperation as Ghana looks to diversify its international business engagements beyond traditional partners. Officials said a CEPA with the UAE could significantly expand trade flows and private-sector investment between the two economies.
The Dubai Chamber delegation was led by Sumaya Al Shamsi, Director of International Partnerships, who said the Chamber annually selects two destination countries for targeted business outreach. For 2026, Ghana and Ethiopia were chosen, with Ghana serving as the first stop.
She said a 20-member business delegation, comprising medium- to large-scale companies across multiple sectors, is expected in Accra from May 18 to May 19, 2026. The visit is planned to include plenary sessions and business-to-business meetings with Ghanaian firms, alongside a proposed keynote address by the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare.
Receiving the delegation on behalf of the minister, the ministry’s Chief Director, Noah Tumfo, said Ghana is prioritising trade diversification, value addition and the development of production hubs that can serve both the UAE market and wider Asian demand.
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He highlighted Ghana’s investment appeal, citing preferential access to the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as access to the African market under the African Continental Free Trade Area. Tumfo also pointed to ongoing engagements expected to secure duty-free and quota-free access to the Chinese market, potentially expanding export opportunities for investors operating from Ghana.
The ministry also outlined regulatory reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business, with a particular focus on cocoa value addition. Officials encouraged UAE investors to explore opportunities in cocoa processing and export, aligning with Ghana’s broader push to move up the agricultural value chain.
Senior officials from both sides attended the meeting, including the ministry’s Director for Trade Development, Ebo Quaison, and the Dubai Chamber’s Chief Representative for West Africa, Cyril Darkwa, as preparations continue for deeper commercial engagement later this year.
