The sports category has moved to a new website.

Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, says Africa cannot defer plans on AfCFTA

Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has said that African countries must work towards the operationalisation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey

Presenting a statement on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday (May 26, 2020) to mark the occasion of Africa Day, she said that: “We must move ahead with the most ambitious steps toward pan-African integration with the creation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area ensuring it is operationalised as soon as possible.”

The 2020 Africa Day was marked in the shadows of the coronavirus pandemic, which has affected the world.

The Minister said that even during this pandemic, Africa is confidently pursuing their aspirations for a better future for its citizens.

Implementation of the free trade agreement is expected to commence on July 1 this year, however, due to the disruptions occasioned by the coronavirus pandemic, analysts have suggested it be deferred to next year.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Foreign Affairs Minister said the COVID-19 pandemic is a major test of the resolve of the African Union and its member states to grow intra-Africa trade.

“While dealing with the pandemic and saving lives, Africa cannot defer urgent action on plans and programmes that will advance continental trade and development.”

Ghana was selected to host the AfCFTA secretariat. This gives the country an instrumental role in overseeing the implementation of the agreement. The country has committed US$10m for the operationalisation of the secretariat.

AfCFTA provides the opportunity for Africa to create the world’s largest free trade area, with the potential to unite 1.3bn people in a US$2.5 trillion economic bloc and usher in a new era of development.

ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: news@pulselive.co.ke

Recommended articles

African countries with the highest divorce rate

African countries with the highest divorce rate

10 African cities with the highest crime index at the start of 2024

10 African cities with the highest crime index at the start of 2024

Machoka at 70: Emotions run high during Citizen TV presenter's birthday [Video]

Machoka at 70: Emotions run high during Citizen TV presenter's birthday [Video]

Diwali 2022: Is Monday a public holiday in Kenya?

Diwali 2022: Is Monday a public holiday in Kenya?

Akothee finally reveals reasons for separating from Omosh 1 month after wedding

Akothee finally reveals reasons for separating from Omosh 1 month after wedding

Man, once a ‘billionaire’, recounts how he lost wealth, now sells his book on streets [Video]

Man, once a ‘billionaire’, recounts how he lost wealth, now sells his book on streets [Video]

Details of Ngina Kenyatta's luxurious restaurant

Details of Ngina Kenyatta's luxurious restaurant

Zero Chills! Jackie Matubia's advice for Milly Chebby amid the unfollow drama

Zero Chills! Jackie Matubia's advice for Milly Chebby amid the unfollow drama

Nigerian royal dignitaries, including four kings and a queen, expected to attend Museveni’s 50th wedding anniversary celebrations

Nigerian royal dignitaries, including four kings and a queen, expected to attend Museveni’s 50th wedding anniversary celebrations

ADVERTISEMENT