By Jacob N.B. Parley
(Guest Economic/Trade Contributor)
In an effort to improve regulatory efficiency and reinforce competition implementation across West Africa, the ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA) has stepped up deliberations on institutional reforms.
As a demonstration of its commitment to the initiative, Council members and the Authority’s Secretariat met in Accra, Ghana, from October 16-17, 2026, during ERCA’s 7th Statutory Session.
The gathering was also meant to evaluate progress, set strategic priorities and deliberate on reforms designed to improve ERCA’s effectiveness in addressing competition-related challenges across the ECOWAS regional market.
According to a dispatch, the idea followed the review of the Body’s proposed 2026–2027 work plan.
In an official opening statement during the program, the Executive Director of the ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA), Dr. Simeon Koffi, disclosed that the meeting provided an opportunity to assess achievements and establish priorities for the next two years.
“This session allows the Council and the Secretariat to take stock of what we have achieved together and to agree on the activities that will carry ERCA through 2026 and 2027,” Mr. Koffi pointed out.
During the ceremony, the Council also examined proposals to tackle concerns raised by businesses and strengthen the Authority’s response to private-sector challenges.
For her part, Council Chairperson, Dr. Juliette Twumasi-Anokye, styled the meeting as critical, stressing the need for clear decisions on the proposed work plan and institutional reforms. She admonished Council members to engage actively in the deliberations to ensure that the outcomes translated into concrete actions capable of advancing the Authority’s mandate.
In her words, the discussions focused on planned activities, institutional reforms to improve effectiveness and measures to address concerns raised by businesses within ERCA’s regulatory jurisdiction.
It was anticipated that the deliberations would pave the way for the adoption of the meeting report, setting the direction for the Authority’s operational priorities and institutional development over the 2026–2027 period.
The ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority is responsible for promoting and enforcing competition rules across the ECOWAS regional market, including tackling anti-competitive practices and fostering fair competition among businesses.
The proposed reforms are being pushed as ERCA seeks to strengthen its capacity to support a more competitive regional market, where businesses operate under fair conditions and consumers benefit from effective competition.
