President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has said the world is watching to see whether the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will achieve its objectives.
The broad objective of the AfCFTA is to create a single continental market for goods and services, with free movement of business persons and investments, paving the way for accelerating the establishment of the Continental Customs Union
President Akufo-Addo has, therefore, said Ghana will at all times support the secretariat to function properly.
He said this while handing over the AfCFTA secretariat to the African Union Commission on Monday, August 17 in Accra.
The President of Ghana told the gathering, among which were several dignitaries including former President Jerry John Rawlings, Speaker of Parliament Professor Mike Oquaye, and Chief Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah that: “The world is watching to see whether the secretariat will indeed provide the springboard for Africa’s economic integration and growth. I am confident that…it will grow.”
He further assured that Ghana will continue to support the secretariat to make it fully functional.
“I assure that Ghana, the caretaker of the secretariat, will provide all the requisite facilities at its disposal so that we can run a first class organisation.
“Indeed, as part of the hosting agreement, Ghana was requested by the Assembly to work with the AU Commission to ensure expeditious and efficient process of establishing a permanent secretariat for the AfCFTA In Accra.
“Ghana has fully discharged all of her obligations and commitments agreed with the Commission.”
The Chair of the AU Commission, Moussa Faki, on his part, said: “Today marks a historic milestone to fulfil the vision of founding fathers of a continental integration.
“It is fitting that the secretariat will be here in Accra. Ghana is a historic country, a centre for gold, cocoa and also variable goods. It is the centre of commerce on the continent and beyond.
“Ghana is also and has been the guardian of our collective pan-African memory,” he said.
By Laud Nartey|3news.com|Ghana