Three join Kyerematen in race for WTO top job

Three persons including two women from different countries have joined the race for the post of the Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

The current boss Pascal Lamy steps down next year.

The three and Ghana’s former Trade Minister, Mr Alan Kyerematen, have so far been confirmed to be in the running for the top job.

Even though deadline for nominations end December 31, 2012, it is expected that more nominations will come up before the scheduled deadline.

The three are Costa Rica’s Trade Minister, Anabel Gonzalez, former Indonesian Trade Minister, Masri Pangestu and New Zealand’s Trade Minister, Tim Groser. All these persons were nominated by governments of their respective countries.

Ghana officially nominated Mr Kyerematen on December 17, 2012, making the former Ghana Ambassador to US the first candidate for the job.

After the nomination period closes December 31, 2012, the WTO will hold a formal General Council meeting on January 29, 2013 where candidates will present themselves to the membership for the final selection.

The selection process will conclude with a decision by the General Council no later than May 31, 2013, according to the WTO.

By Ekow Quandzie