The establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is as a testament to the visionary leadership of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, former President John Mahama has said.

Speaking at a commemorative event to mark Dr. Nkrumah’s birth at Nkroful in the Western Region, the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) flag bearer emphasized that the celebrated leader’s vision of a united and economically integrated Africa is being realized through initiatives like AfCFTA, which aims to boost intra-African trade and foster economic cooperation across the continent.

“In his eyes political freedom without economic freedom was superficial. He advocated industrialization, education and scientific advancement as the keys to African development,” Mr Mahama said at the first president’s hometown. “Today the continental free trade area stands as a testament to Kwame Nkrumah’s foresight.”

He conceded that although the implementation of AfCFTA “was in its early stages, the seeds that he planted so many decades ago, are beginning to finally bear fruit”.

Commenced officially in January 2021, the purpose of the African Continental Free Trade Area is to enable the free flow of goods and services across the continent and boost the trading position of Africa in the global market. 

Mr. Mahama who paid glowing tribute to Dr. Kwame Nkrumah called the African free trade agreement “a profundity of the man’s vision”.

Former President Mahama called on Africans to work assiduously to deepen the existing relationships amongst themselves.