In this episode of Blindspot Africa, Dr. Charles G. Ofori speaks with Dr. Juliet Twumasi-Anokye Chairperson of the Council of the ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA), about the importance of fair competition in West Africa and its implications for the energy sector.
The conversation explores how competition regulation protects consumers, prevents dominant companies from abusing their market power, and discourages practices such as price-fixing, cartels, and bid-rigging. Dr. Twumasi-Anokye explains why effective competition is essential for lowering prices, encouraging innovation, improving efficiency, and creating a fairer environment for businesses of all sizes.

A key focus is the energy sector, where investment, industrialisation, and regional value chains are creating new opportunities—and new risks. The discussion examines how competition authorities can help ensure that investors operate within fair market rules, while balancing the need for competitive pricing with consumer protection and sustainable investment.
The episode also highlights Ghana’s competition policy gap, the progress of competition law development across ECOWAS member states, and why stronger regulatory institutions are increasingly important as West Africa pursues economic integration and industrial growth.

Key topics include:
• The role of ERCA in regulating competition across West Africa
• Why competition laws matter for consumers and businesses
• Market dominance, price-fixing, and anti-competitive practices
• Competition and pricing in the energy sector
• Ghana’s competition regulation gap
• Regional integration, investment, and industrialisation

A timely discussion on why fair competition is essential to protecting consumers, strengthening markets, and building a more competitive West African economy.