President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the President of Ghana, has stated that the AfCFTA framework will not mean much if its target are not implemented with speed.
According to the President, this is the surest way to harness the full benefits of the AfCFTA framework which are numerous. The President made this known at the launch of the national Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) policy framework and action plan in Accra, Ghana in a speech read on his behalf by the Minister of Information, Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah.
“This framework, as brilliantly as it’s structured, will not mean much if you do not implement the programs and targets with speed, effectiveness and proactiveness.”
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
President Nana Addo highlighted the importance of the AfCFTA framework, saying, “It will diversify exports, improve food security for structural transformation, enhance economic growth, and above all, provide jobs for the youths of the country.”
“A successful implementation of national plan will boost the capacities of the Ghanaian private sector to take advantage of market and access opportunities in Africa to promote products, goods and services.”
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
The President expressed his happiness to be part of today’s launch of the national AfCFTA policy action plan for boosting Ghana’s Trade with Africa.
“This launch clearly indicates that the Government of Ghana is continuously positioning the private sector operators in Ghana to trade under the AfCFTA with the National AfCFTA policy framework. My absolute delight is geared towards the harmonization of relevant policies, programs, laws and regulations to boost the productive capacities of the private sector in Ghana, particularly the MSMEs to harness the full benefits of the AfCFTA.”
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
Ghanaian Businesses to Ride on AfCFTA Framework
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo noted that the successful implementation of AfCFTA programs under the policy framework and action plan will ensure that 1000s of Ghanaian businesses can ride on it and export significantly into the African continent, thereby boosting global economic activity, growth, jobs and other benefits.
“Our government is working through this and other initiatives to make it relatively easier for you to get access to this large markets in Africa so that you can trade more goods and services. Yours is to take advantage and collaborate with us to resolve any challenges that may come. No matter the nature of the challenges, It will be resolved. Let’s hand in hand to make this work. It is an international interest to not take this window of opportunity lightly.”
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
The President, moreover, tasked countries on the continent to improve their private sectors if they want to overcome the current global economic challenges.
“African countries cannot overcome the current economic challenges occasioned by the incidence of the COVID 19 pandemic and the Russia and Ukraine war if we do not develop measures to improve the productive capacities of the private sector, and increase intra African trade.”
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
The President iterated that the effective operationalization of the AfCFTA agreement will significantly boost Ghana’s status of trade, stimulates investment and innovation.
Meanwhile, the AfCFTA aims at accelerating intra-African trade and boosting Africa’s trading position in the global market by strengthening Africa’s common voice and policy space in global trade negotiations.
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