EPA will hinder African countries' progress

Tema, July 26, GNA - Three non-governmental organisations (in Tema have appealed to African governments not to bow to European Union (EU) pressure to sign the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) as it has the potential to hinder African countries' progress. Agreement on the EPA, which is to be signed in December, would allow free trade with the EU.

Mr Kwabena Okai Ofosuhene, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Abibimann Foundation called on African leaders to subject the matter to public debate and seek views of the masses before giving it the green light. Speaking on behalf of the African Youth Coalition, the Ghana Trade and Livelihood and the Abibimann Foundation, he said he was of the view that the EPA could lead to shortfall in revenue since tariffs on EU goods would be waived.

Mr Ofosuhene said while the move would lead to collapse of industries because they would not be able to withstand the competition from the EU, the poverty level would be high due to labour redundancy. The EPA would also hinder government and regional integration, aggravate regional segmentation and erode economic gains made by countries.

Mr Ofosuhene appealed to West African countries to take interest in the negotiations in order to save the citizenry because it would mean selling national sovereignty.

He appealed to Ghana government and other governments to openly declare their stand on the EPA and allow the public to express their views.

Mr Ofosuhene suggested to African leaders to emulate the governments of Nigeria and Cape Verde whose leaders have objected to the EPA.

He said NGOs concerns have heightened because of the outcome of the just ended ECOWAS Ministerial Monitoring Committee on the EPA in Accra.

"It became obvious that our leaders are looking forward to signing the EPAs to satisfy the quest of the EU come December 31, 2007".