Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger ECOWAS exit: This will create more hurdles in doing business-GUTA
The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) has expressed concerns that their supply chain within West Africa may be disrupted soon.
This is due to the latest announcement by military leaders in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to officially leave the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
According to the President of GUTA, Dr. Joseph Obeng, the departure of these countries could create more hurdles in doing business.
“It will surely have an impact, and we do not know how it’s going to affect the free flow of traffic and humans. The earlier we try to find a solution to this the better,” he said.
The three departing countries, currently facing sanctions for overthrowing democratically elected governments, state that their decision to withdraw from ECOWAS is based on inhumane sanctions.
Although there are growing fears of dire economic and food security implications for Ghana, some security analysts, say it is too early to make such predictions.
However, the Ghana Union of Traders says their members could be adversely impacted as their main source of supply of onions, tomatoes, and other staples comes from Burkina Faso.
Background
In a joint press statement released on Sunday, January 28, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger jointly declared their decision to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) with immediate effect.
The three countries expressed dissatisfaction, stating that ECOWAS has deviated from its intended purpose, which no longer aligns with their interests.
“After 49 years, the valiant peoples of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger regretfully and with great disappointment observe that the (ECOWAS) organization has drifted from the ideals of its founding fathers and the spirit of Pan-Africanism,” excerpts of the statement said.
The decision by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to withdraw from ECOWAS comes after the suspension of the three countries by the regional bloc due to coups and their failure to comply with ECOWAS directives to restore civilian rule.