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“The time for African integration is now” – Akufo-Addo
President of the republic, His excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has called for the equal participation of African states to help convert the AU into a true continental market.
President Akufo-Addo made this known on Monday, at a State Dinner held in his honour by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea, at the commencement of his 3-day official visit to that country.
“The time for African integration is now. Ghana and Equatorial Guinea should be at the forefront of the process that will convert the AU into a true continental market. Hence, the importance of the success of the Continental Free Trade Area. A working, common continental market has to be a very fundamental objective of all peoples and governments on the continent,” he stated.
President Akufo-Addo stressed his willingness to do whatever possible to strengthen the African Union which has Ghana and Equatorial Guinea as two important members.
“I believe it is extremely important for the welfare of the 1.2 billion people of the continent that we, the leaders, demonstrate strong political will to make the AU an economic and political success, and to make the project of integration real. I am fully committed, and I know President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo is, too,” he said.
President Akufo-Addo noted that the projected increase in the African population to 2 billion people in 20 years time, an African Common Market, presents immense opportunities to Africa, with hard work, enterprise and creativity.
