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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.
The New Times Corporation (NTC) on Monday held its annual thanksgiving service, bringing together staff and management to reflect on the past year, express gratitude, and renew their commitment to the organisation’s growth.
At the service, the Deputy Chairperson of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) and a Board Member of the New Times Corporation (NTC), Madam Charity Binka, called for strong and intentional collaboration among staff, emphasising that unity and teamwork were crucial to transforming the corporation during its challenging times.
“This is a time to break silos, share ideas and work together as one team with a shared vision,” she said, adding that innovation and digital transformation must be embraced to secure NTC’s future.
Madam Binka expressed gratitude to God for sustaining the corporation and its employees despite financial and operational difficulties.
“Though the journey has not been smooth, God has sustained us. We are here today because of His grace,” she indicated, acknowledging the resilience and dedication of staff who have kept The Ghanaian Times and The Spectator among the country’s most respected newspapers.
Quoting Jeremiah 29:11, she encouraged staff to remain hopeful and confident that brighter days lie ahead.
Delivering the sermon, Rev. John Akorli of Word Divine International Ministry at Sukura, Accra, cautioned staff against excessive talking and gossip, warning that careless speech could create unnecessary problems.
Rev. Akorli further reminded staff that their identity should not be defined by past mistakes, family background, or negative labels.
He encouraged them to live confidently, depend on God’s guidance, and remain focused on their responsibilities, noting that spiritual awareness and discipline were essential to personal and organisational growth.
The service ended with prayers for unity, renewal, and a prosperous new chapter for the New Times Corporation.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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The Catholic Bishop of the Koforidua Diocese, Bishop Joseph Afrifa Agyekum, has expressed concern over the rising rate of divorce in the country, attributing the trend largely to inadequate knowledge about marriage and misplaced expectations of couples.
He said many marriages were collapsing because couples entered into the union without a clear understanding of the responsibilities, sacrifices and commitments that marriage demands.
The Bishop raised the concern while addressing congregants at the 50th anniversary of the Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church at Madina on Sunday.
According to him, marriage was increasingly being viewed through unrealistic lenses shaped by social media, peer pressure and material expectations, rather than mutual respect, patience and shared values.
“Many people go into marriage with expectations that are not grounded in reality. When those expectations are not met, conflict sets in and eventually leads to separation or divorce,” he observed.
The Bishop noted that some couples lacked proper preparation before marriage, adding that pre-marital counselling was often treated as a formality rather than an opportunity to gain deeper insight into marital life.
He stressed the need for churches, families and society to intensify education on marriage, particularly among the youth, to help them make informed decisions before entering into marital unions.
The Bishop also urged married couples to embrace dialogue, forgiveness and understanding, saying disagreements were inevitable but could be resolved through patience and commitment.
He urged couples experiencing challenges to seek counselling instead of resorting to separation, emphasising that strong families remained the foundation of a stable and progressive society.
By Kennedy Afedzi
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