Delivering his keynote address at a symposium and a seminar organised by the West African Parliamentary Press Corp at the Accra International Conference Centre, the Information Minister, Dr Mustapha Hamid, has recommended that trade boarders and barriers in the west Africa sub-region must be eliminated for free movement of goods for trade.
He pointed out that it is important in this era for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to dismantle all barriers that continue to inhibit the total integration of the West African sub-region.
“People should be able to engage in free movement of goods to their neighbouring countries to sell without any hindrance”, he added.
Dr. Hamid explained as untenable the excuse that open boarders of West Africa has the tendency of increasing cross boarder crimes and terrorism activities.
He reiterated that for West Africa to be economically viable, open boarders for trade in goods and services is the best option.
Dr. Hamid further explained that it is difficult for a country to operate in isolation and the need to operate as a global collect is very vital.
“West Africa has 367 million population. It has 5 percent global population growth and also fastest growing region in the World. Africa must therefore be fast in thinking on its feet and planning the future of the West Africa Region”, he revealed.
Source: GhanaJustice/S.Ayisi
