ICC Advocates Chartered Trade Finance Association and Mandatory Certification for Ghana’s Trade Professionals
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has recommended the creation of a Chartered Trade Finance Professionals Association (CTFPA) in Ghana, alongside a mandatory certification program for all trade sector practitioners. The initiative is aimed at improving professionalism, strengthening governance, and promoting best practices in the country’s trade and finance sector.
Unveiled during a recent stakeholders’ meeting in Accra, the ICC’s proposal seeks to establish a professional body that will regulate standards, provide training, and serve as a platform for knowledge sharing and advocacy. The association is expected to unify trade finance professionals and ensure compliance with international trade norms.
The ICC emphasized that the CTFPA is timely given the growing complexity of global trade. The mandatory certification will ensure that professionals in trade finance, logistics, and customs possess the skills necessary to manage increasingly sophisticated transactions.
The proposed certification will cover critical areas such as trade documentation, risk management, compliance, and international trade law, equipping practitioners to handle challenges effectively. According to ICC representatives, the program is also designed to reduce fraud, enhance transparency, and improve the credibility of Ghana’s trade ecosystem.
Industry stakeholders, including banks, customs officials, importers, exporters, and logistics companies, have expressed support for the initiative. Many believe the association will elevate standards, encourage ethical practices, and provide structured career growth opportunities for trade finance professionals in Ghana.
Kwesi Mensah, a trade finance expert, commented on the proposal, saying, “Mandatory certification ensures that every professional in the trade sector meets international standards. This will improve efficiency, mitigate risks, and attract more foreign investment into Ghana’s trade sector.”
The ICC also highlighted that the CTFPA would link Ghanaian professionals with the global trade community, offering access to international training, certifications, and networking opportunities. By aligning local practices with international standards, Ghana can enhance its competitiveness in global trade.
While the proposal is currently under consultation, government agencies and industry associations are expected to collaborate with the ICC to finalize the framework for the association and certification program. Once implemented, the initiative is expected to professionalize Ghana’s trade sector and support sustainable growth.
As global trade continues to evolve, the ICC’s recommendation for a Chartered Trade Finance Professionals Association and mandatory certification represents a proactive step toward improving skills, accountability, and integrity within Ghana’s trade and finance ecosystem.
Source: Thepressradio.com
