The Republic of Ghana is soliciting the support of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, in its bid to host the Secretariat of the proposed African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA.
The Ghanaian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Botchwey made the request at the ongoing ECOWAS Parliament Delocalised joint Committee Meeting in Accra, Ghana.
According to her, Ghana has since its independence in 1957, committed so much to Africa’s unity to deserve the hosting of a continental initiative like AfCFTA.
“Our government has decided to and has, indeed, formally expressed its interest to have Ghana host the Secretariat of AfCFTA, here in Accra.
“We are of the firm belief that Ghana’s history and credentials on Pan-Africanism, and her continuous commitment to the ideals and values of the African Union will make her to qualify as a worthy Member State of the African Union to host the Secretariat.
“I wish, therefore, to seize this opportunity to request all of you to use your good offices to support Ghana’s candidature in your respective capitals,” Botchwey explained.
She went down memory lane on the important roles Ghana played in the formation of Organisation of African Unity, OAU, now AU, bemoaning however, that, despite these efforts, Ghana was yet to host any organ or agency of the African Union.
“In requesting your support for Ghana’s bid. I wish to explain that in spite of Ghana’s pioneering role as a founding member of OAU, now AU, she does not play host to any organ or agency of the African Union.
“Thus, by offering to host the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area, Ghana is reinforcing her commitment to the African Integration Agenda.
“I trust that we can count on your full support and the support of your countries for the success of our bid,” the parliamentarian said.
