Gyakye Quayson pushes trade, investment reforms at OACPS Summit in Malabo

Ghana has called for stronger trade and investment cooperation among developing countries at the 11th OACPS Summit in Malabo.

The country’s delegation, led by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs James Gyakye Quayson, participated in the high-level meeting held in Equatorial Guinea from March 27 to 29, 2026.

Delivering Ghana’s statement, Hon. Quayson emphasised the need for a more coordinated and responsive Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) to address emerging global challenges.

He noted that the changing global environment requires member states to adopt practical strategies that will strengthen economic resilience and promote sustainable development.

To support this direction, Ghana outlined a number of proposals aimed at deepening cooperation and unlocking economic opportunities within the bloc.

Key among them was the need to improve connectivity among member states through joint investments in maritime and air transport systems to facilitate trade and movement across regions.

Ghana also proposed the institutionalisation of regular meetings involving Ministers of Trade and Finance to enhance coordination and accelerate the implementation of agreed policies.

In addition, the delegation called for stronger collaboration among entrepreneurs within member countries to promote investment and support the development of competitive value chains.

Labour mobility was highlighted as another critical area, with Ghana urging policies that allow skilled professionals to move across member states to address workforce gaps and improve productivity.

The country further advocated joint investments in strategic sectors to ensure value addition and equitable benefits from natural resources.

Ghana also encouraged discussions on forming an alliance of developing countries focused on raw materials, aimed at strengthening collective bargaining power in global supply chains.

Officials say these proposals reflect Ghana’s commitment to a more integrated, resilient and economically empowered OACPS.

Background

The Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) is a multilateral body made up of countries from Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific, working together to promote development, trade and cooperation.

The organisation plays a key role in advancing South-South cooperation and engages global partners on issues such as trade, climate change and development financing.

Its summits bring together leaders to review progress, set priorities and strengthen collaboration across member states.

The 11th OACPS Summit, held in Malabo under the theme “A Transformed and Renewed OACPS in a Changing World,” focused on repositioning the organisation to respond effectively to global economic and geopolitical changes.