President John Dramani Mahama has called for massive investment in strategic infrastructure across the African continent, particularly transport networks and digital connectivity.
This, he argued, would fully unlock the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement.
He made the remarks during a courtesy call by Mr Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of the AfCFTA Secretariat.
According to him, inadequate road and rail networks across sub-regions have significantly hampered the effectiveness of existing regional trade agreements.
President Mahama opined that the vision of the African Union’s New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AU-NEPAD) calls for proactive measures to seamlessly integrate and open up economies.
“If we invest in crucial corridors like the Abidjan-Lagos route and extend it all the way to Dakar, we will create a seamless channel for the exchange of goods, significantly boosting intra-African trade,” he stated.
He further spoke about the increasing trade volumes between Ghana and its Sahelian neighbours, such as Burkina Faso and Mali, noting the immense potential for transit trade facilitated by improved connectivity.
“We are proud to be the hosts of the AfCFTA Secretariat, and our government remains fully committed to facilitating your crucial work and ensuring its success.”
On his part, Mr Wamkele Mene congratulated President Mahama on his recent re-election victory and commended Ghanaians for the peaceful transition of power.
He provided an update on the AfCFTA’s progress, stating that forty-nine (49) out of fifty-five (55) African Union member states have now ratified the agreement, demonstrating strong continental commitment.
He added that twenty-four (24) countries are actively trading under the AfCFTA framework, with Ghana serving as one of the pilot countries since trading commenced two years ago.
He further disclosed that countries, including Benin, Libya, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, and Eritrea, are yet to ratify the agreement.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana