Ghana has called on the Commonwealth of Nations to prioritise the removal of tariffs and trade barriers among its member states to enhance 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,”

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana's Minister of Foreign Affairs, encouraged the organisation to position itself as a multilateral body that promotes open trade rather than tariff wars.

“We hope to share our thoughts particularly in offering the Commonwealth as a different multilateral organization, one that does not believe in tariff wars, but in removing tariffs and trade barriers to ensure we are able to enhance our fortunes.” Ablakwa noted

Ablakwa commended the Commonwealth for the reforms currently underway, adding that removing tariffs and trade barriers would enable member states to strengthen their economies and maximise the benefits of cooperation within the bloc.

Highlighting Ghana’s strategic role as host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, Ablakwa said these reforms align with broader efforts to integrate African markets.

He stressed that Ghana remains committed to advancing economic diplomacy and expressed confidence that the meeting would provide a platform for meaningful discussions to strengthen economic ties among Commonwealth member states.