Professor Alex Dodoo, the Director General of the Ghana Standards Authority, has urged both Ghana and Zimbabwe to make use of the trade and investment opportunities provided by the General Cooperation Agreement.

This agreement, signed between the two countries in June of this year, aims to leverage the favorable trade conditions facilitated by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA).

During the 2023 World Standards Day Celebrations in Zimbabwe last week, Professor Alex Dodoo emphasized that the GCA offers a unique chance to generate wealth and enhance the quality of life.

He further mentioned that the GCA is expected to lay the foundation for the establishment of a Ghana-Zimbabwe Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation, which will focus on key areas of development.

“The areas of collaboration include Trade; Transport; Agriculture; Fisheries; Livestock Breeding; Industry; Mining; Culture; Education; Health; Environmental Protection; Water Engineering; Sports; ICT among others,” the GSA boss explained.

As a result, he emphasized the need for robust trade connections between Ghana and Zimbabwe to drive economic growth and improve the lives of their respective populations.

This year's World Standards Day theme was "Shared Vision for a Better World: Incorporating SDG3 - Good Health and Well-being." This annual event, observed on October 14th, serves as a tribute to the collaborative work of numerous global experts who create voluntary technical agreements published as International Standards.

GCA signing

The General Cooperation Agreement was signed in June of this year in the presence of Presidents Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Kwaku Ampratwum Sarpong and Zimbabwe's Minister of Finance and Economic Development Professor Mthuli Ncube signed the agreement on behalf of Ghana.