The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its ECOWAS National Office, has taken its public sensitisation campaign on regional integration to the Madina Market, educating traders, transport operators and other stakeholders on the opportunities and benefits available under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The outreach programme, held on October 29, 2026, was themed “ECOWAS for All: Bringing ECOWAS Closer to the Citizen – Promoting Awareness, Participation and Opportunities for Regional Integration.”
The initiative formed part of efforts to deepen public understanding of ECOWAS policies and programmes, particularly the free movement of persons, goods and services across member states, while highlighting economic opportunities within the sub-region.
Addressing participants, the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Ghana, Ambassador Mohammed Lawan Gana, stressed the importance of bringing the regional bloc closer to ordinary citizens to ensure they fully understand and benefit from its programmes and interventions.
He noted that increasing public awareness of ECOWAS policies would enhance citizen participation and strengthen regional integration efforts across West Africa.
Representatives from key institutions used the occasion to educate participants on various services and opportunities available to businesses and individuals.
A representative of the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry explained the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS), which allows the duty-free movement of eligible agricultural and manufactured goods within the sub-region. He outlined the registration and approval processes and urged traders and exporters to comply with the Scheme’s Rules of Origin and obtain Certificates of Origin to benefit from the arrangement.
The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) highlighted the support it provides to exporters, including guidance on export documentation and procedures to facilitate the movement of Ghanaian products into regional and international markets.
Officials from the Ghana Shippers’ Authority also educated participants on the institution’s role in regulating commercial shipping activities, approving shipping charges and protecting the interests of importers and exporters. Traders were encouraged to seek assistance from the Authority whenever they encounter challenges involving shipping agents or freight forwarders.
The Ghana Immigration Service, for its part, outlined its mandate in securing Ghana’s borders, facilitating legitimate cross-border travel and ensuring compliance with immigration requirements, including regulations governing work permits.
Other participating institutions also provided information on their respective mandates and the support services available to facilitate trade and business activities within the ECOWAS sub-region.
To ensure participants received practical assistance, information and enquiry desks were established at the venue, allowing traders and other stakeholders to engage directly with representatives of the institutions and seek clarification on issues affecting their businesses.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the campaign forms part of a broader effort to bring ECOWAS closer to citizens by raising awareness of their rights, responsibilities and opportunities within the regional community and encouraging greater participation in the integration process.