The Ghana International Trade & Finance Conference (GITFiC) has commenced a nation-wide survey to assess the knowledge that the Ghanaian private and government sectors have on African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The survey will also look at Ghana’s readiness to make Accra the commercial capital of Africa.
A statement released by a Lead Research Fellow at GITFiC Gerald Ekow Woode explained that the survey will take place in selected regional capitals namely; Greater Accra, Greater Kumasi, Takoradi, Tamale, and Koforidua.
“This initiative will generate a diagnostics report which would help to develop practical steps or a road map in addressing the gaps and challenges. The quality of the survey is greatly subjected to the information provided by our experienced field personnel, “he said.
He added that the survey will further assess the private sector’s readiness towards the implementation of the AfCFTA as well as provide a comprehensive and reliable information source to help the government, local authorities, and private economic sectors to build up socio-economic development plans to improve intra African trade.
Mr. Woode stated that the survey will provide a key pathway for regional trade integration as it seeks to improve rural infrastructure and trade-related capacities for market access to transform trade and sustain inclusive growth and also, by enhancing market and value chains.
Explaining how the process had been so far, he said enumerators were publicly circulated in October and November 2021, as more than 800 applications were received from the general public.
“The 800 applicants were narrowed down to 20 after a rigorous selection process. The 20 finalists were, in December 2021, taken through various preparatory stages. In January 2022, the 20 finalists have met all requirements and have been fully certified by us to carry out this assignment”.
According to him, a two-page survey questionnaire has been carefully vetted to reflect the quality response expected from the Business Community in the regions.
He added that field enumerators will reach out to about 6,000 Industries, Companies, and SMEs across the five selected regions in Ghana.
“We believe that with a high responsible spirit, available enthusiasm, and a strong desire to contribute to the development of the country, the general public will kindly grant our field personnel the audience to fulfill their duties in the various establishments ear-marked for this exercise. The success of this survey will be partly due to the contribution of our field personnel”.
