President John Dramani Mahama has positioned Ghana as a key driver in advancing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by advocating for massive investments in strategic infrastructure, particularly transport corridors and digital networks, across the continent.
Speaking during a meeting with AfCFTA Secretary General Wamkele Mene, President Mahama underscored that without robust infrastructure, the full benefits of Africa’s landmark trade agreement remain out of reach.
The President highlighted persistent infrastructural challenges—such as inadequate road and rail networks—that have long constrained regional trade agreements and hindered economic integration. He stressed that the African Union’s New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AU-NEPAD) vision calls for deliberate actions to connect and open up African economies seamlessly.
Focusing on West Africa, President Mahama cited the vital Abidjan-Lagos corridor, the region’s longest trade route along the coast, as a prime example where enhanced investment could unlock significant trade opportunities. He proposed extending this corridor to Dakar, creating a continuous artery that would facilitate the efficient flow of goods and stimulate intra-African commerce.
The President also pointed to growing trade volumes between Ghana and its Sahelian neighbours, including Burkina Faso and Mali, emphasizing the critical role improved transit infrastructure plays in maximizing this potential.
Reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to AfCFTA’s success, President Mahama welcomed the Secretariat’s work and reiterated his government’s support as host country.
Secretary General Wamkele Mene praised Ghana’s leadership and peaceful democratic processes, noting that 49 of 55 African Union member states have ratified the agreement. He revealed that 24 countries are actively trading under AfCFTA, with Ghana serving as one of the pilot nations since the trading phase began two years ago. Mene also pointed out that a handful of countries—including Benin, Libya, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, and Eritrea—have yet to ratify the deal.
As Ghana spearheads efforts to bolster infrastructure, its strategic initiatives could serve as a blueprint for unlocking the promise of Africa’s single market, facilitating greater trade, investment, and sustainable development across the continent.
