An economist at the African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET) has urged Ghana to strengthen its export competitiveness as a pathway to sustainable economic transformation.
Edward Brown, ACET’s senior director for research, policy, and programs, made the remarks on Tuesday during a virtual transformation dialogue organized by the World Bank, ACET, and the Institute for Statistical, Social, and Economic Research at the University of Ghana.
He said Ghana’s reliance on a few traditional exports, like gold, cocoa, timber, and other minerals, along with limited technology-driven manufactured goods, has weakened the country’s export competitiveness, adding that the West African country must scale up value addition to its primary products to enhance export competitiveness.
Brown recommended that Ghana begin with agro-processing, focusing on precision farming and organic certification for high-value commodities, establishing agro-industrial parks, and fostering technology incubation.
He noted that by supporting local manufacturers, improving regulatory coordination, and investing in technical and vocational education and training — alongside workforce upskilling and technology-driven tourism — Ghana could advance economic and export diversification, paving the way for broader transformation.
Brown also called for deliberate efforts to position the digital economy by expanding high-speed internet access, building integrated digital platforms, developing the necessary human resource base, and leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area to diversify exports. Enditem
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