The Minister Designate for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has emphasized the need for Ghana to fully leverage its hosting of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat to create more jobs and economic opportunities for Ghanaians.
Speaking during his vetting before the Appointments Committee on Friday, December 31, Ablakwa expressed concern that while Ghana has made significant financial and logistical commitments to hosting the Secretariat, the country is yet to maximize the expected benefits, especially in employment creation. He noted that in many cases, international institutions recruit a majority of their staff from outside their host countries, often reserving the most lucrative positions for non-locals while offering limited roles to the host nation’s citizens. He stressed the importance of addressing this imbalance to ensure that Ghanaians fully benefit from the opportunities that come with the AfCFTA Secretariat.
Ablakwa assured the committee that he intends to engage the Secretary-General of AfCFTA, Wamkele Mene, to develop a strategic plan that would prioritize the employment of qualified Ghanaians in key positions within the Secretariat. He acknowledged concerns raised by some staff regarding their working conditions and promised to hold discussions aimed at improving their welfare.
Reflecting on Ghana’s journey in securing the AfCFTA Secretariat, Ablakwa commended the collective efforts of past and present leaders, including former Presidents John Mahama, John Agyekum Kufuor, the late Jerry John Rawlings and the late John Evans Atta Mills. He noted that Ghana’s consistency in championing African economic integration, dating back to Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s vision in 1963, played a crucial role in the country’s successful bid to host the Secretariat. He emphasized that the achievement was not the effort of any single political party but rather a national success, made possible through unity and collaboration.
As Ghana continues to host the AfCFTA Secretariat, Ablakwa underscored the need for a deliberate approach to ensure that the country does not just play host but also reaps substantial economic and social benefits. He reiterated his commitment to working closely with relevant stakeholders to make Ghana’s hosting of the Secretariat a win for the nation, ensuring that the investment made translates into tangible economic opportunities for the Ghanaian people.
