Ghana has joined the Advisory Centre on WTO Law (ACWL), a move aimed at strengthening the country’s ability to defend its trade interests and navigate disputes as it expands exports and deepens its integration into the global trading system.
The protocol of accession was signed on Thursday, 18 December 2025, in Geneva by Ghana’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office, the World Trade Organization and other international organisations, Emmanuel Asiedu Antwi. The accession gives Ghana access to specialised legal advice, training and technical support on WTO law, including dispute settlement.
For investors and exporters, the move signals a means by which Ghana can fight to reduce legal and regulatory risk in cross-border trade, particularly as Ghana seeks to diversify exports and support industrialisation and small and medium-sized enterprises.
Membership of the Geneva-based body is expected to improve Ghana’s capacity to participate effectively in the multilateral trading system and safeguard its trade and development interests, reinforcing confidence in a rules-based framework at a time of rising trade tensions globally.
The accession further aligns with Ghana’s broader trade strategy, which includes export diversification, value addition and strengthening trade governance to support manufacturing and agribusiness. Stronger legal capacity is expected to help the country respond more effectively to trade disputes and comply with international obligations.
Government acknowledged the Advisory Centre on WTO Law for its cooperation and thanked the government and people of Norway for providing the financial support that made the accession possible.
Special recognition was given to the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, for her role in driving the process to completion before the end of the year.
The partnership with the Advisory Centre on WTO Law will be closely watched to strengthen legal expertise, improve engagement in dispute settlement and reinforce confidence among trading partners in Ghana’s commitment to a fair, predictable and rules-based global trading system.
