Ghana’s commitment to deepening trade and economic integration has received international attention at the Fourth Marrakesh Parliamentary Dialogue, held in the Moroccan city on June 19–20, 2026, where Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin showcased the country as a strategic gateway for regional and global commerce.
The Forum, hosted by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) and the House of Councillors of Morocco in collaboration with the Parliamentary Network of the World Bank and IMF, brought together policymakers, development partners, and academics from Africa, the Euro-Mediterranean, and the Gulf regions.
Addressing the high-level gathering, Speaker Bagbin positioned Ghana as a natural convergence point for African, Euro-Mediterranean, and Gulf business interests, citing its geographic advantage and growing economic infrastructure.
“Ghana has a strategic advantage which positions the country to boost both intra and inter-regional trade. Not only is Ghana positioned at the centre of the world, but its location on the West African coast offers a natural gateway to both landlocked Sahelian states and global shipping lines,” he stated.
He highlighted Ghana’s stable political environment, expanding transport networks, and upgraded port infrastructure in Tema and Takoradi as key drivers that make the country attractive for international investment.
Speaker Bagbin emphasized government efforts to align industrialisation and export diversification policies, noting that Ghana’s transition toward a 24-hour economy model is intended to enhance productivity, trade facilitation, and global competitiveness.
He urged regional economic blocs to strengthen cross-regional partnerships beyond traditional integration models, calling for deeper cooperation between Africa, the Euro-Mediterranean region, and Gulf states to unlock shared economic opportunities.
“We must move beyond building regional economic silos to constructing formidable relationships across regions,” he added.
During a special Africa-focused session, the Speaker outlined Ghana’s preparations for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), including a national implementation framework and the National Export Development Strategy (NEDS) aimed at expanding access to Africa’s over 1.3 billion consumer market.
He explained that the policy direction prioritises value addition, competitiveness, and job creation as key pillars of Ghana’s export strategy.
On the sidelines of the forum, Speaker Bagbin held bilateral discussions with counterparts from the United Arab Emirates, Niger, and the Moroccan House of Councillors, focusing on parliamentary cooperation and economic diplomacy.