Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between West African states (ECOWAS) and European Union has been signed finally, President John Mahama and the Chairman of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have disclosed.
President Mahama in opening ceremony of UK-Ghana Trade and Investment Forum at London revealed that we have signed EPA which has positive significances for the trade conditions between West Africa and Europe.
According to this agreement the ECOWAS countries would open the 70% of their markets for EU goods, while on the other hand West African Stats will enjoy the full access to EU markets excluding for sugar and rice.
This agreement (EPA) with EU was endorsed by the authority of ECOWAS, Heads of State and Governments in July 2014.
Trade unions including Trades Union Congress (TUC) and Economic Justice Network (EJN) give critical remarks over this agreement and said this agreement will destroy the small scale and newly established manufacturers of the region.
Former chief negotiators for ECOWAS in the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union (EU), Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, call the authorities of ECOWAS to address the fears of the civil society and trade unions to this agreement.
President Mahama consistently defending EPA with EU by saying that is the only way to improve the economic conditions within the African region.
