John Dramani Mahama discusses trade with WTO chief Okonjo-Iweala

President John Dramani Mahama has held high-level discussions with the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to explore enhanced trade and investment opportunities. The meeting took place on November 3, 2025, on the sidelines of the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda. The leaders focused on developing strategies to boost economic cooperation, specifically targeting the potential for increased trade flows and investment partnerships among member states of the Commonwealth. This diplomatic engagement highlights a concerted effort to leverage global trade frameworks for national economic advancement. During their deliberations, the President and the WTO chief examined ways to align Ghana’s economic goals with the overarching theme of CHOGM, which centers on fostering resilient economic growth through inclusive partnerships. They identified key areas where multilateral cooperation could help navigate current global economic challenges, ensuring that trade remains a viable engine for development. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala provided insights into WTO initiatives that could support developing economies in optimizing their participation in international commerce, while President Mahama reaffirmed Ghana's dedication to maintaining open and transparent trade policies. The engagement marks a significant step in the administration’s drive to attract foreign direct investment and expand the reach of Ghanaian exports in the global market. By strengthening ties with the WTO, the Ghanaian government aims to secure technical support and policy alignment that will benefit local industries and exporters. This strategic partnership is expected to yield long-term dividends by integrating Ghana more deeply into the Commonwealth’s economic network and the broader international trade community, ultimately contributing to sustainable growth and job creation at home.