EPA a threat to livelihood of Ghanaians

A Sunyani based NGO African Media Aid (AFRIMA) says the proposed Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) is a threat to the livelihood and security of millions of Africans.

AFRIMA in a statement stressed the need for Ghana to resist unfair trade deals such as the EPA.
The statement noted that the EPAs pose a threat not only to government revenue, local producers and industries, but also to the right and capacity of African countries to develop their economies.

According to AFRIMA studies have proven that given the right support, farmers are capable of producing more than enough to feed the nation and have surplus for export. AFRIMA noted that Malawi suffered severe famine in 2005 but was able to export to neighbouring countries the following year after defying the international order not to subsidize its agriculture.

Last Thursday, Ghana and the EU signed what they described as an Interim or Stepping Stone Economic Partnership Agreement to avoid trade disruption while the negotiations for the full Economic Partnership Agreement between ECOWAS and the EU countries continue.

In an interview with Radio Ghana, the Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Analysis, Dr. Joe Abbey said the interim trade deal which focuses on just trade is a step in the right direction. According to Dr. Abbey the agreement will safeguard Ghana's traditional export to Europe without facing barriers.