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Pres Akufo-Addo Highlights AfCFTA’s Role In Continental Transformation
During the 5th anniversary celebration of the Council on Foreign Relations Ghana, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo delivered a keynote speech emphasizing the transformative potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement in driving Africa’s economic integration and industrialization.
Speaking on the theme “The Limits of the Current Development Co-operation Framework for Africa’s Transformation,” the President highlighted the AfCFTA as a key component of a new paradigm for development cooperation in Africa.
The AfCFTA Agreement, according to President Akufo-Addo, represents a bold and transformative initiative aimed at accelerating intra-African trade, promoting industrialization, and fostering economic integration across the continent. He noted that the agreement seeks to create a single market for goods and services, encompassing 54 countries and over 1.3 billion people, and has the capacity to significantly boost intra-African trade.
“Enhanced economic integration can lead to economies of scale, increased competitiveness, and greater market access for African businesses,” President Akufo-Addo stated. He cited a United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) report which projects that intra-African trade could be 34% higher by 2045 with the AfCFTA than without it.
President Akufo-Addo also highlighted the potential of the AfCFTA to drive industrialization and create decent jobs for Africa’s growing population. He emphasized that one of the serious challenges facing Africa is the reliance on the export of raw materials with little value addition. The AfCFTA Agreement, he argued, provides an opportunity to shift towards industrialization and value addition by creating a larger market for manufactured goods and promoting regional value chains.
By encouraging investment in manufacturing and processing industries, the AfCFTA can help create jobs and drive economic growth across the continent.
“The establishment of a continental free trade area should magnify Africa’s attractiveness as an investment destination,” the President stated, adding that the implementation of the AfCFTA Agreement can create a more predictable and stable business environment, attracting both domestic and foreign investment.
In his speech, President Akufo-Addo also addressed the role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Africa’s economies, noting that they contribute significantly to employment and income generation.
He pointed out that SMEs often face challenges related to market access, financing, and regulatory constraints. The AfCFTA, he argued, can provide new opportunities for SMEs by expanding their market reach and reducing trade barriers.
The President highlighted the SME Growth and Opportunity Programme he recently launched, which aims to provide targeted financing solutions and technical assistance to SMEs in Ghana.
The programme, he explained, is an important step towards creating a viable SME ecosystem that will empower businesses with high-growth potential to scale up and create impact across their communities.
In conclusion, President Akufo-Addo reiterated the transformative potential of the AfCFTA Agreement, stating that it represents a central component of the new paradigm for development cooperation in Africa. He expressed confidence that by leveraging the opportunities presented by the AfCFTA, Africa can drive economic integration, industrialization, and inclusive growth, ultimately achieving the transformative change to which the continent aspires.
Muslims across the country celebrated this year’s Eid-ul-Adha in a colourful and spiritually uplifting atmosphere under the theme, “A Season of Sacrifice, Solidarity and Spiritual Renewal.”
The celebration brought together Muslims from diverse backgrounds in a remarkable display of faith, unity and cultural heritage.
The occasion was marked by special Eid prayers at various designated grounds, the slaughtering of rams in homes for sharing among family members, friends and the less privileged, as well as musical concerts and recreational activities including horse riding.
Leading the celebration was the Chief Imam, Dr Sheikh Osman Sharubutu.
While the national celebration was held at the Black Star Square where President John Dramani Mahama was the Special Guest of Honour, similar gatherings took place at different centres across the capital and other regions of the country.
A visit by The Spectator to some celebration grounds revealed Muslims, both young and old, elegantly dressed in colourful jalabiya and other Islamic attire, reflecting the rich culture and traditions of the Muslim community.
The celebration also portrayed the spirit of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country, as a number of Christians joined their Muslim counterparts to mark the occasion.
Muslim leaders and government officials used the opportunity to call on the faithful to uphold the teachings of the Holy Quran, renew their spiritual commitment and refrain from acts capable of undermining the peace, unity and security of the nation.
They further urged Ghanaians to continue to live in harmony and support one another for national development.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Dear Obaa Yaa,
During Eid-ul- Adha celebration, I decided to spend the weekend at my boyfriend’s place since we were planning towards our marriage.
To my surprise, what keeps me wide awake, restless and frustrated every single time is that he snores loudly like a generator running on full power, and I genuinely cannot get any rest
At a point, I thought it was just a normal thing, but I have realised it is something he does with ease and doesn’t see anything wrong with it.
When he steps out in the morning, I try to get enough sleep because I may not sleep in the evening.
The most annoying thing is that, he always wants to cuddle me. These two things are a no for me and a red flag.
We are about to get married, what should I do?
Enam, Keta.
Dear Enam,
The snoring and constant cuddling are frustrating, but you don’t have to choose between sleep and closeness.
Start with the snoring: check if it’s worse when he sleeps on his back, cut out alcohol before bed, try nasal strips or a humidifier, and see a doctor if he pauses while breathing.
For quick relief, foam earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones help a lot.
Separate blankets, a bigger bed, or sleeping apart on some nights often makes couples rest well and feel closer overall.
Bring this up before the wedding .Tell him you want to wake up next to him for years to come, but sleep deprivation makes you both miserable.
Test earplugs and side-sleeping this weekend, and if it’s still unbearable, bring in a doctor. Good sleep matters more for your marriage than staying glued together all night.
