Ghana's president calls for massive investment in strategic infrastructure across Africa
Accra, Ghana (PANA) - Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama has called for massive investment in strategic infrastructure across Africa, particularly transport networks and digital connectivity, to fully unlock the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement.
The local media said he was speaking during a courtesy call on himat the weekend by Mr. Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of the AfCFTA Secretariat.
The reports quoted President Mahama as saying inadequate road and rail networks across sub-regions have significantly hampered the effectiveness of existing regional trade agreements.
He stressed that the vision of the African Union’s New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AU-NEPAD) calls for proactive measures to seamlessly integrate and open up economies.
Citing the high volume of trade along the Abidjan-Lagos corridor, the longest route along the West African coastal belt, President Mahama articulated his vision for enhanced regional integration.
“If we invest in crucial corridors like the Abidjan-Lagos route and extend it all the way to Dakar, we will create a seamless channel for the exchange of goods, significantly boosting intra-African trade,” he stated.
The President also highlighted the increasing trade volumes between Ghana and its Sahelian neighbours, such as Burkina Faso and Mali, noting the immense potential for transit trade facilitated by improved connectivity.
President Mahama said: “We are proud to be the hosts of the AfCFTA Secretariat, and our government remains fully committed to facilitating your crucial work and ensuring its success.”
Mr. Mene, providing an update on the AfCFTA’s progress since its establishment on 30 May, 2019, reported that 49 out of 55 African Union member states have now ratified the agreement, demonstrating strong continental commitment.
He added that 24 countries are actively trading under the AfCFTA framework, with Ghana notably serving as one of the pilot countries since trading commenced two years ago.
Mr. Mene also noted that countries, including Benin, Libya, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, and Eritrea, are yet to ratify the agreement.
-0- PANA MA 21July2025
