Ghana accedes to Advisory Centre on WTO Law, strengthening global trade engagement
Ghana has taken a major step to bolster its trade defence and legal capacity by formally joining the Advisory Centre on WTO Law (ACWL), a move expected to significantly enhance the country’s engagement with the global trading system.
The Protocol of Accession was signed on Thursday, December 18, 2025, in Geneva by Ghana’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office, the World Trade Organisation and other international organisations, Emmanuel Asiedu Antwi.
With this accession, Ghana gains access to specialised legal advice, technical assistance and capacity-building support on World Trade Organisation (WTO) law. This includes expert guidance on trade remedies, dispute settlement procedures and compliance with WTO rules, strengthening the country’s ability to safeguard its trade and development interests.
The move aligns with Ghana’s commitment to a rules-based, inclusive and development-focused multilateral trading system. It also supports broader government efforts to improve trade governance, promote export diversification and drive industrialisation, particularly for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ambassador Antwi expressed gratitude to the Advisory Centre on WTO Law for its cooperation and to the Government and people of Norway for providing the financial support that made Ghana’s membership possible.
He also commended the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, describing her leadership and determination as key to completing the accession process before the end of the year. According to him, the timely conclusion of the process reflects strong political will and effective coordination within government to strengthen Ghana’s standing in global trade governance.
The Government of Ghana says it looks forward to working closely with the ACWL to build local legal expertise, enhance participation in WTO dispute settlement, and reinforce confidence in a fair, predictable and transparent multilateral trading system.
