DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH UPTAKE IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA (DRUSSA)

Transcription

1 DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH UPTAKE IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA (DRUSSA) PROCEEDINGS FROM CSIR-SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY RESEARCH INSTITUTE AND MINISTRY OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY POLICY SYMPOSIUM Prepared by CSIR-STEPRI Wilhemina Quaye Richard Ampadu-Ameyaw Justina A. Onumah George O. Essegbey August, 2015

2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We acknowledge the UK s Department for International Development (DFID) for providing the sponsorship for the Development Research Uptake in Sub-Saharan Africa (DRUSSA) project with technical support from the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU). To our local partner, the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) we very much appreciate your efforts and contributions under the DRUSSA project. We want to acknowledge the presence of the Deputy Minister, Dr Kweku Ricketts Hagan, who took some time off his busy schedule to grace the function and the team from Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI) who co-organized this Policy Symposium with CSIR-Science and Technology Policy Research Institute. We acknowledge the theme speaker Dr George Adu, a lecturer at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) who is also the DRUSSA Policy Fellow attached to MOTI. We appreciate the valuable contributions by the discussants, Dr Williams Ohemeng, a lecturer at GIMPA Business School, and Mr Jamie Machead from MOTI. Finally, we thank all participants and the media who contributed in diverse ways to make the Policy Symposium a big success. 2

3 Table of Contents ACKNOWLEDGEMENT... 2 Table of Contents... 3 LIST OF ACRONYMS... 4 Executive Summary INTRODUCTION OPENING Welcome Address by Dr George O Essegbey, the Director of CSIR-STEPRI Chairman s Remarks by the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Kweku Ricketts - Hagan TECHNICAL PRESENTATIONS Presentation by Dr Goerge Adu KNUST/ DRUSSA Policy Fellow Discussion by Dr Williams Ohemeng, GIMPA Business School Discussion by Jamie Machead MOTI Questions, Comments and Answers EVALUATION Conclusion and Closing Remarks Conclusion Closing Remarks Appendix 1 Expanded Presentation by Theme Speaker Appendix 2 List of Participants Appendix 3 Program

4 LIST OF ACRONYMS ACU CSIR DFID DRUSSA GIMPA GIPC GDP GEPA ISSER MOF MOFA MOTI NBSSI STEPRI Association of Commonwealth Universities Council for Scientific and Industrial Research Department for International Development Development Research Uptake in Sub Saharan Africa Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration Ghana Investment Promotion Council Gross Domestic Product Ghana Export Promotion Authority Institute of Statistical Social and Economic Research Ministry of Finance Ministry of Food and Agriculture Ministry of Trade and Industry National Board for Small Scale Industries Science and Technology Policy Research Institute 4

5 Executive Summary The need to enhance policy debates in the public sphere has become a developmental issue. Development Research Uptake in Sub-Saharan Africa (DRUSSA) is a collaborative research project currently being piloted in Ghana and Uganda aimed at enhancing utilisation of research evidence to inform policy directions for national development. The DRUSSA project is sponsored by the UK Government s Department for International Development (DfID) with technical support from the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU). In Ghana DRUSSA is being implemented by Science Technology and Policy Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-STEPRI) and the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER). DRUSSA has three main components including (i) Series of Policy Symposia (ii) Policy Fellowship placement and (iii) Short Courses for Policy Professionals. As part of the DRUSSA implementing activities, this policy symposium was organised on 20 th August 2015 for the Ministry of Trade and Industry under the theme Determinants of Ghana s Bilateral Trade Flows. This was the fourth of the five series of symposia that have to be organised for the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI). The theme speaker is a lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and also a DRUSSA Policy Fellow embedded at MOTI. The DRUSSA Policy Fellow investigated the factors that influence the pattern of Ghana s bilateral exports and imports and implications for trade policy in Ghana using the gravity model framework. The research findings showed that GDP and population of trading partners, Ghana's GDP; trading partner's openness to trade and common official language had positive impact on Ghana's exports. Distance expectedly had a negative impact on the direction of Ghana's exports. On the converse, Ghana's GDP, trading partner's GDP and population had positive impact on the level of imports to Ghana. Distance and bilateral exchange rate also had negative impact on the flow of Ghana's imports. The implications of the research results are that: (1) strengthening of regional trade agreements could be beneficial since trade costs will be reduced significantly; and (2) inflation should be stabilized so that nominal depreciation could improve the competitiveness of Ghana s exports in the world market. The policy debate after the presentation by the theme speaker brought to the fore useful suggestions that will improve the research work. Some important variables were seen to be missing in the model. These included the composition of traded commodities, tarrifs, trade agreements and policies pursued over the study period. 5

6 Some of the evaluation comments suggested special attention to relevant audience and expanded participation of the private sector to enrich the policy discourse. From the participants evaluation, the policy symposium met the expected outcome of increased demand for research evidence use among policy makers and generated more confidence in locally produced research. The results from the research presented by the theme speaker will help to develop relevant and effective programmes and intervention policies that promote Ghana s bilateral trade flows. 6

7 1.0 INTRODUCTION One area that is receiving a lot of attention in recent times is the role of research evidence for policy formulation and practice particularly in the developing countries. Development Research Uptake in Sub-Saharan Africa (DRUSSA) is a collaborative research project currently being piloted in Ghana and Uganda aimed at enhancing utilisation of research evidence to inform policy directions for national development. The DRUSSA project is sponsored by the UK Government s Department for International Development (DfID) with technical support from the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU). DRUSSA has three main components including (i) Series of policy symposia to enhance research uptake by policy professionals from participating ministries, (ii) Policy fellowship placement in the participating ministries and (iii) Short Courses for policy professionals. The policy symposia and policy fellowship implementation activities are led by Science Technology and Policy Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-STEPRI) while the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) of University of Ghana handles the Short Courses for junior and middle level policy advisors. In Ghana the participating ministries are Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI) and Ministry of Finance (MOF). This report presents the proceedings of the fourth policy yymposium organized on the 20 th August 2015 for the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI) on the theme Determinants of Ghana s Bilateral Trade Flows. The symposium topic had been researched into by the DRUSSA Policy Fellow placed at MOTI. The policy symposium platform offered the Policy Fellow who is a lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), and policy professionals from MOTI and other relevant institutions to engage in policy discourse. The objectives of the policy symposium among others were to achieve: - Greater awareness of body of evidence, debate and research when setting policy direction; - Greater ability to scrutinise draft legislation and policy statements; - Greater ability to critique or defend policies by referencing available evidence; - Stronger links and understanding between senior policy makers and academia; - Greater faith and trust in locally produced research; and - Greater awareness among senior civil servants of expectations/demands that can be made of staff. This policy symposium registered over 60 participants from institutions including MOTI, MOF, National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI), Ghana Investment Promotion Council (GIPC), Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) and Universities (See attendance Sheet Appendix 2). 7

8 2.0 OPENING 2.1 Welcome Address by Dr George O Essegbey, the Director of CSIR-STEPRI The Director of CSIR-STEPRI, Dr George O Essegbey, delivered the Welcome Address. In his submission he explained the importance of bringing public discourse to bear on national development issues. He also explained the broader DRUSSA Programmes and Projects being implemented in 24 Sub-Saharan Universities across 12 countries. He then zeroed in on the DRUSSA project being implemented in Ghana and Uganda to enhance linkages in research/academia and policy systems with funding from DFID and technical support from the ACU. In Ghana, DRUSSA is working with Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI), Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) and Ministry of Finance (MOF) on three broad activities including (i) Policy Fellowship, (ii) Series of Policy Symposia and (iii) Short Courses being ran by Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) of the University of Ghana for policy professionals/officials. He mentioned that the Policy Fellow attached to MOTI was to deliver on some aspects of research conducted during his fellowship. Referencing the current policy symposium theme Determinants of Ghana s Bilateral Trade Flows Dr George Essegbey pointed out that participants from the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI) were better placed to evaluate the significance and relevance of the research work done by the DRUSSA Policy Fellow to the policy making process. Given the importance of research evidence on the knowledge component of innovation he looked forward to further collaborations with the Ministry of Trade and Industry. He seized the opportunity to introduce the in-coming Policy Fellow from the second cohort group of fellows. Director of CSIR-STEPRI delivering his welcome Address at the MOTI Policy Symposium 8

9 Participants at the 4 th MOTI Policy Symposium with the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry 2.2 Chairman s Remarks by the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Kweku Ricketts - Hagan The Deputy Minister in his introductory remarks lauded the DRUSSA concept of embedding academics in the ministry to influence policy formulation and practice. Given the Chairman s rich academic background (Financial, Economic and Investment Modeling) and experience in policy practice he was very happy to be present for the presentation on Determinants of Ghana s Bilateral Trade Flows. Pointing out some of the benefits of globalization, he said bilateral trade agreements were attractive because they were quicker to conclude, technically less demanding and provided enormous opportunities that could be beneficial if properly managed. He congratulated Dr George Adu for the research evidence that would eventually inform and assist the ministry in diverse ways. According to the Deputy Minister, research evidence on the determinants of trade flows was timely from the perspective of better markets search for Ghana. Again, the research evidence was critical for the development of instruments to reap the expected benefits from trade. In order to maximize gains from the wealth of knowledge available locally, he stressed that deepening the links between research and academia under the collaborative engagement with the ministry was most welcomed. He wished all fruitful deliberations. 9

10 3.0 TECHNICAL PRESENTATIONS 3.1 Presentation by Dr Goerge Adu KNUST/ DRUSSA Policy Fellow Dr George Adu was the main speaker for this policy symposium. He presented on the theme Determinants of Ghana s Bilateral Trade Flows. Introducing the subject, he mentioned that Ghana had signed bilateral agreements with a number of countries with the objective of taking advantage of opportunities offered in key strategic markets, fostering business cooperation and technology transfer and encouraging foreign direct investment. It was therefore imperative to provide research evidence on the subject for effective policy formulation and practice. In his presentation, research evidence on the factors that influence the pattern of Ghana s bilateral exports and imports and implications for trade policy in Ghana were interrogated and highlighted. Exploiting data from nine destinations of Ghana s exports and ten origins of her imports spanning the period between 1960 and 2014 within the gravity model framework, his research sought to bring to the fore the key determinants of trade flows in Ghana. The research findings showed that GDP and population of trading partners, Ghana's GDP; trading partner's openness to trade and common official language have positive impact on Ghana's exports. Distance expectedly has a negative impact on the direction of Ghana's exports. On the converse, Ghana's GDP, trading partner's GDP and population positively affect the level of imports to Ghana. Distance and bilateral exchange rate also negatively affect the flow of Ghana's imports. The implications of the results are that: (1) strengthening of regional trade agreements could be beneficial since trade costs will be reduced significantly; (2) inflation should be stabilized so that nominal depreciation could improve the competitiveness of Ghana s exports in the world market. See Appendix 1 for the full presentation. 10

11 Dr George Adu DRUSSA Policy Fellow presenting on Determinants of Ghana s Bilateral Trade Flows. 3.2 Discussion by Dr Williams Ohemeng, GIMPA Business School Dr Williams Ohemeng from GIMPA Buisness School was the key discussant of the Theme paper. Critiquing the presentation done by Dr George Adu, he mentioned that the research sought to answer the following questions: What factors determine the level of trade that occurs between nations? Why does any given nation trade more with some nations than with others? The use of the international trade gravity model in analysing bilateral trade was appropriate and the timing very good since policy makers need to re-examine the factors that determine exports and imports. The novelty in this research was the use of robust estimators to account for zero trade flows. The background information on Ghana s exports and imports in the stylized facts were all very interesting and properly done as indicated below: 11

12 Given the above positive aspects of the research work done by Dr George Adu, the discussant also pointed out some key areas for improvement. The theoretical model-the probability framework of the gravity model specified in the research work did not account for all the potential determinants of trade in Ghana as observed by the disscussant below: I. Commodity composition of trade between Ghana and her trading partners was missing in the model. II. III. IV. Other demographic variables GDP and population which relate to the size and stage of economic development of exporting and importing countries were included. The size of the economy, population or both have an independent influence on the intensity of bilateral trade flows among countries. In other words, there is interaction between GDP and population of both exporting and importing countries and the model failed to explicitly account for it. The first observation ties in with the second observation. If product category had been included in the model, the author would appreciate the fact that, there would be interaction again between distance and product category. This will either confirm or contradict the classic location theory that states that, industries/countries that produce products characterized by low value-to-bulk ratios tend to be located closer to their markets than do industries/countries whose products have high value-to-bulk ratios. Another variable that the author could have investigated is political stability. Stable nations tend to be the higher-level exporters when bilateral trade relations are examined. Conversely, there is very little effect of the instability of the importing nation on the intensity of trade. 12

13 3.3 Discussion by Jamie Machead MOTI Mr Jamie Machead was the second discussant of the theme presentation. He also noted that the over 50 years data set used for the study was good and the gravity model used commendable. However, some factors missing in the model could be re-considered. For example the composition of commodities being traded, the enabling environment during the study period, the effect of rebasing the economy and there should be a dummy to capture economic stability. Other concerns discussed are bulleted below. The need to reduce transport cost among trading partners Interactions between nominal and real inflation Increasing returns to scale dimension Comparative and geographical dimensions Common language/ similar political systems Effects of diaspora market Dummy for countries that Ghana share some trade agreements (ECOWAS-EPA, US AGOA) 3.4 Questions, Comments and Answers After the reactions from the key discussants, other participants were asked to make their submissions. Emerging issues from the policy symposium are captured in a table summary and also bulleted below for clarity. Effect of the composition of traded commodities Trade preferences (raw vis-a-vis processed products) Effect of trade policies pursued and trade agreements Technical barriers to trade and effect of tarrifs Why is China dominating though very far away What policy is China pursuing to overcome the distance theory? Need to consider the cost structure (For example, China is selling FOB). China Government is subsidizing transportation cost making trade from China very attractive Data Challenges for evidence based research 13

14 In response to some of the emerging issues, Dr George Adu explained that some of the concerns could be addressed at micro-level studies. Again there were issues with data challenges which the Ministry could offer some assistance in order to improve the current research work and for future studies. Director in charge of Exports/Imports at MOTI making his submission Summary of Questions, Comments and Answers NAME ORGANIZATION QUESTIONS/COMMENTS Emmanuel Agyemang Badu MOTI Tariff on imports and exports by government must be intensively addressed. We need research evidence on the effects of tariff on domestic production, imports and exports. Custom Unions affiliation must also be considered because it promotes regional negotiations, reciprocity and trade liberalization. Mary Asare MOTI Decline of export and increase in import over the years as shown by the presentation. What policy direction would the presenter advice the policy makers to revert this trend? 14

15 Kofi Amenyah Gerald Nyarko- Mensah MOTI MOTI Issues of commodities (traditional and non-traditional) and the direction could have enhanced the paper. Other tariffs/non-tariff barriers the services (GOP, AGOA) could have been addressed. 1. China has managed to instigate the distance factorwhat policies are they pursuing that we can learn from. 2. Unbundle the products into traditional and nontraditional exports and look deeper into growth of exports to ECOAS, EU as against USA. Examine transport factor why little trade with USA 3. Relate time series to major shocks such as the introduction of trade liberalization policy in Ghana. Dan Ofori UG-Legon It s a good study that provides a lot of food for thought. The question is can we look at the composition of the production elements that make up the exports? That way we can determine whether even if our exports grow, we spend much on products; those goods for exports resulting in a net less Kyeremah Yeboah Alex Mensah Nasir Ahmad Yartey MOTI MOTI MOTI Source of data, export figures (whether CIF or FOB) Did you take data from GCNet, Ghana Statistical Services or MOTI? Population as a determinant for import is a bit problematic and so we should explore further. 1. The topic appears to be very broad. Is there a way that it could be narrowed to reflect the major determinant? 2. The presentation did not touch much on the Regional Trade Agreements yet there was a strong conclusion 15

16 Evans Mensah Freeman MOTI that it could be beneficial, how? Did other factors such as culture and religion, taste and preference, quality and brand, structure of the population, GDP growth: source of growth, historical antecedents and government policy play a factor in determining bilateral trades of Ghana and other countries? 4.0 EVALUATION Before and After Evaluation of the policy symposium was done by the participants using a standardized instrument developed by ACU. Indicators used for the evaluation include level of understanding of the symposium topic, expectations met, relevance of issues discussed to work and necessary actions required. Figures 1-3 present the before situation while Figures 4-6 give the after symposium situation. BEFORE SYMPOSIUM ASSESSMENT AFTER SYMPOSIUM ASSESSMENT 35% Fig 1 Level of Interest in the Symposium Topic 2% 63% Very interested Interested Caution Fig 4 How well did the Symposium meet its stated aims? 18% 45% 37% Very well Well Somewhat 16

17 Fig 2 Level of Understanding of the Topic 2% Very high 16% 25% High Somewhat Low 57% Fig 5 Level of Understanding of the topic after the Symposium 63% 10% 27% Very High High Somewhat Fig 3. Understanding of the purpose of the symposium 2% Very well 14% Well 37% Somewhat A little 47% 43% Fig 6 Relevance of the Issues discussed to work 6% 51% Very relevant Relevant Somewhat From the evaluation results, the level of understanding in the symposium and the issues discussed were very relevant to participants work and responsibilities. Some evaluation comments suggested special attention to relevant audience, more of MOFA participation, private sector and other relevant stakeholder participation to enrich the process of enhancing the involvement of the academia and the public in policy formulation and practice. The symposium was insightful, impressive and beneficial for both the researcher from academia and the policy professionals. Some suggested the provision of links to such research work before attending the program. It was suggested by one person that research evidence on the influence of regional trade blocks on the determinants of trade flows within multilateral trade system will also be useful. 17

18 5.0 Conclusion and Closing Remarks 5.1 Conclusion The policy symposium sought to provide a platform for the academia/research to engage policy professionals from the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI) in a win-win policy discourse. The DRUSSA Policy Fellow who presented his research did not just present research evidence but also gained from the experiences of the policy professionals who participated in the policy symposium. From the research evidence implications of the results are that: (1) strengthening of regional trade agreements could be beneficial since trade costs will be reduced significantly and (2) inflation should be stabilized so that nominal depreciation could improve the competitiveness of Ghana s exports in the world market. Thus trade policies should be complemented with monetary policies. Suggestions to improve the research work include exploring the effect of the composition of traded commodities, effect of trade policies pursued and trade agreements, technical barriers to trade and effect of tarrifs on bilateral trade flows. 5.2 Closing Remarks In a concluding remarks by Mr Fynn, the Director of Policy Planning Monitoring and Evaluation MOTI, he indicated that the policy symposium was insightful. Some of the findings from the presentation were quite new. The policy implication was for Ghana to become an export led economy. The policy discourse also revealed that trade policies should be complemented with monetary policies and proper alignment done particularly when the economy is inflationary as witnessed in Ghana. For the way forward, pursuing regional arrangements, that is, Ghana joining regional trading blocs which emerged out of the discussions could be explored further. He was convinced that MOTI will need more research evidence on trade issues particularly, in the services sector trading in services such as education and medicine. Another area for research is the massive improvements in international logistics and their implications for international trade. Appendix 1 Expanded Presentation by Theme Speaker 18

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30 Appendix 2 List of Participants NO. NAME SEX INSTITUTION TELEPHONE 1. Zinabu Sahabi F MOF zsahabi@mofep.gov.gh Solomon Laryea M MOF slaryea76@yahoo.com Boatemaa Darkwah-Bonny F MOTI boneryk@yahoo.com Monica Asare F MOTI m57akua@yahoo.com Akeilata Ismail K M MOTI myakeila@yahoo.com Prince Boakye Frimpong M KNUST-Kumasi winconsin@yahoo.com Rose Tsorhey F MOTI rtsorhey@yahoo.co.uk

31 8. Juliana Darku F MOTI julianadarku@gmail.com Esther Acquah F KNUST -Kumasi estacquah@gmail.com Gloria Arhin F KNUST - Kumasi gadwubi@yahoo.com Mavis Adu-Twum F MOTI m.adutwum@yahoo.com Mary Donkor F MOTI mariabenadonkor@yahoo.com Leticia Turkson F MOTI leticia_turkson@yahoo.com Lord Nana Owusu M MOTI luowusu@gmail.com Charity Wuaku F MOTI charitywuaku@yahoo.com John Bart Addo M MOTI bartaddo@gmail.com Wilfred Essuman M MOTI wilfred_ppme.moti@yahoo.com Mary Asare F MOTI shikaaku@yahoo.com Boakye A.Godfred M NBSSI godboah@yahoo.co.uk Eric Ampomah Appiah M MOTI eampomah.eaa@gmail.com Abdul Mashud Abubakar M MOTI azindosco@yahoo.com

32 22. Afua Gyambea-Amoako F MOTI afua.gyambeaamoako@yahoo.com Ofosu-Adjei Terrance M MOTI ofosu.terrance@yahoo.com Prof. Dan Ofori M UG-Legon dofori@ug.edu.gh Jane A Mensah-Onumah F MOTI jannyasante@gmail.com Gamor Eric M MOTI zoepkr@hotmail.com Afia Serwaa Baah F MOTI jannyasante@gmail.com Janet Detse F MOTI janetdetse@yahoo.com Kofi Amenyah M MOTI kofiamenyah@yahoo.com Mavis Akuffobea F CSIR-STEPRI mavisauffobea@yahoo.com George Adu M Dept.of Econs- KNUST Alex Mensah M MOTI alexmens@yahoo.com Grace Nettey F MOTI maasakore@yahoo.com Nasir Ahmad Yartey M MOTI nasirahmadyartey@gmail.com

33 35. Nicholas Quansah M MOTI nichoquansah@hotmail.com Terence Agbeshie Livingstone M MOTI Williams Ohemeng M GIMPA ohens@yahoo.com Evans Mensah Freeman M MOTI freeman@gpsdf.com Sylvia Nortey F Geo Seas snorteyn121@yahoo.com Gloria Adoma F GFZB adoma.gloria@yahoo.com Augustine Insaidoo M MOTI ainsaidoo@yahoo.com Nicholas Amarboye M MOTI Jason Tawiah M MOTI Jonas Amoako M NBSSI toastatakes@yahoo.co.uk Emmanuel Badger M GIPC ebadger@gipcghana.com Thelma Dangbey-Kubi F MOF tdangbey@mofep.gov.gh Nyarko Mensah G M MOTI gnmensa@gmail.com Charity Osei-Amponsah F STEPRI cdosei72@gmail.com

34 49. Catherine Noella Numbuo F MOTI-GARO cathnoele@yahoo.com Linda Amankwah-Manu F MOTI-GARO ankamah-lynd@yahoo.com Michael Akoto-Tetteh M NBSSI-GAR akmt5@yahoo.com Robert Addo M MOTI transport Irene Toah F MOTI irenetoah@yahoo.com Francis Asiedu M MOTI transport John Anoku M ORID-UG, legon jkofieanoku@ug.edu.gh Patricia Boateng F MOTI partyboaty@yahoo.com.uk Kyeremeh Yeboah M MOTI melchigh@yahoo.com Rosemary Atiemo-Boateng F MOTI ratiemoboateng@yahoo.com Agyemang Dadu Emmanuel M MOTI agyemange@yahoo.com Samuel Doe Adzimah M MOTI samueldoeadzimah@yahoo.com Bakari Zeeinabu M MOTI zeebx2002@yahoo.com Michael Commy M MOTI mvude2000@gmail.com

35 63. Martin A. Abuura M MOTI buramartins@gmail.com George Fynn M MOTI fynnexx@yahoo.com.uk Michael Akonta M GFZB michael.akonta@gmail.com Kwame Mante-Bediako M MOTI mabed25@yahoo.com 67. Bubuama Charles M MOTI(TAB) charlesbuama11@gmail.com Asafo Adjei M MOTI asafoaadjei2003@yahoo.com.uk Dacosta Ebenezer M MOTI dacostaeben@gmail.com Selorm Hotor M MOTI hotoresther@yahoo.com.uk Agyeiwaa Agyeman-NK F MOTI agyemannkansaha@gmail.com Frances M. Kyiamah M GIPC fkyiamah@gipcghana.com Jamie Machead M MOTI jamieamachead@gmail.com Federick Ayeh M FAGE federick.ayeh@gmail.com Stephen Normashie M GEPA normashie@hotmail.com Nana Akrasi Sarpong M MOTI nanaakrasisarpong@yahoo.com

36 77. Rankine Asabo M CSIR-STEPRI asab.rayy@gmail.com

37 Appendix 3 Program THEME: Determinants of Ghana s Bilateral Trade Flows PROGRAMME 08:30am 90:00am Registration of Participants All 09:00am - 9:30am General Introduction Facilitators/Dr. (Mrs) Wilhemina Quaye (CSIR-STEPRI) and Mr George Fynn (Ministry of Trade and Industry) 9:30am - 10:00am Opening: 10:00am-10:30am 10:30am 11:10noon Welcome Statement Introduction of Chairman Chairman s Remarks Presentation on Determinants of Ghana s Bilateral Trade Flows Contribution from main Discussants (Determinants of Ghana s Bilateral Trade Flows) Dr George Owusu Essegbey Dr Richard Ampadu Chief Director, Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI) Dr. George Adu, Department of Economics; KNUST/DRUSSA Policy Fellow Dr. Williams Ohemeng (GIMPA Business School) and A Rep. From Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI) 11:10am-12:10pm Questions and Answers Facilitators/Dr. (Mrs) Wilhemina Quaye and Mr George Fynn 12:10-12:30 Closing Remarks and The Way Forward Chief Director, MOTI 37

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