The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has called on member states of the African Union to work together for the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
She pointed out that AfCFTA is the world’s largest free trade area, which is the reason why all African countries must commit to promoting intra-African Trade and economic integration.
These remarks were made in a statement read on her behalf by the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Regional Integration, Mr Thomas Mbomba on Thursday in Accra.
“Accelerating the implementation of AfCFTA has the potential to stimulate economic growth and development across Africa by removing barriers to trade, such as tariffs, quotas and dumping which culminates in increasing trade within Africa through the creation of a larger single market, boosting economies of scale and attracting direct foreign investment,” he added.
The Minister further urged member states to work together towards accelerating the implementation of the AfCFTA protocols as it has the potential to shape the economic future of the continent, strengthen its position in the global market, uplift the lives of its peoples and accelerate the sustainable growth and development of the continent.
The Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, Mr Wamkele Mene, reaffirmed the strong commitment of the AfCFTA Secretariat to work with all the AU member states and partners to effectively execute its mandate to help achieve the goals and aspirations of the AfCFTA towards an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa.
He implored member states to get involved in the actualisation of the aspirations of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement for the benefit of all Africans.
On her part, the Ambassador of Morocco to Ghana and Dean of the African Group of the Diplomatic Corps, Mr Imane Quaadil, noted that considerable progress had been made since the inception of the AU.
She reiterated the commitment of the African Group to take an active part in all future initiatives aimed at achieving Africa’s prosperity and well-being of the continent.
The flag-raising ceremony was followed by a food bazaar featuring different cuisines from across the African continent for participants to savour.
The ceremony was attended by members of the Diplomatic Corps, officials from the Ghana Armed Forces, Ministries, Departments and Agencies, the media and students.
Patience Anaadem, ISD
