Former President and National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama says, the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was a testament to the visionary leadership of Ghana’s founder and first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
Speaking at an event to commemorate Dr. Nkrumah’s birthday at Nkroful, his hometown in the Western Region, the former President emphasized that the celebrated leader’s vision of a united and economically integrated Africa is being realized through initiatives like AfCFTA, which aims to boost intra-African trade and foster economic cooperation across the continent.
“In his eyes political freedom without economic freedom was superficial. He advocated industrialization, education and scientific advancement as the keys to African development – Today the African Continental Free Trade Area stands as a testament to Kwame Nkrumah’s foresight,” Mahama said.
He conceded that although the implementation of AfCFTA “was in its early stages, the seeds that he planted so many decades ago, are beginning to finally bear fruit.”
Commenced officially in January 2021, the purpose of the African Continental Free Trade Area is to enable the free flow of goods and services across the continent and boost the trading position of Africa in the global market.
Mahama paid glowing tribute to Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, describing the AfCFTA as “a profundity of the man’s vision.”
The former President called on African governments to work assiduously to deepen the existing relationships amongst themselves in order to reap the benefits of AfCFTA on the global stage.
By Leo Nelson || ghananewsonline.com.gh