Ghana’s Foreign Minister urges Commonwealth Member States to explore trading opportunities

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has urged Commonwealth Member States, especially small and least developed countries, to explore the opportunities that the organization provides for its members in the area of trade.

She also implored the Commonwealth to push for policies that respond to the needs of Small States.

She made the remarks during the 22nd Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAMM) at Marlborough House in London on Wednesday.

“Member States must devise more strategies that ensure easy access to financing of the impacts of Climate Change, build their resilience and amplify their voices for their sustainable development,” she added.

The Minister reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to efforts aimed at building economic resilience and stable societies, enhancing trade digitalization as well as promoting global climate change agendas to secure peace and prosperity, and the survival of the planet.

This year's CFAMM focused on enhancing the resilience of Commonwealth countries in times of crisis and reflected on the challenges faced by many members, such as the impacts of climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic and spiralling food and energy costs that risk impacting peace and stability.

The meeting provided a platform for member countries to reflect on how Commonwealth countries and the Commonwealth Secretariat can work together in strengthening infrastructure, governance, and connections within the Commonwealth to bolster resilience in adverse times.