Ghana has urged the Commonwealth of Nations to prioritise the removal of tariffs and trade barriers among its member states as part of efforts to deepen economic cooperation and expand trade opportunities.

Speaking at the 26th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting in London, held under the theme “The Commonwealth at a Moment of Strategic Opportunity,” Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the organisation should position itself as a multilateral bloc that promotes open trade rather than protectionist policies.

He said tariffs and other barriers continue to hinder trade flows within the bloc.

“Ghana commends the Commonwealth for the reforms that have been well outlined. We should remove trade barriers and ensure that we enhance our fortunes as we pursue economic diplomacy,” Mr Ablakwa said.

He noted that the Commonwealth has an opportunity to distinguish itself globally by encouraging economic diplomacy and facilitating trade among its members.

“We must present the Commonwealth as a different multilateral organisation that does not believe in tariff wars,” he added.

The minister also highlighted Ghana’s role in continental trade integration, noting that the country hosts the secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, which aims to create the world’s largest free trade area by the number of participating countries.