Ghana marked this 61st African Union (AU) Day with a Flag-Raising Ceremony, a Tree-Planting Exercise and a Photo Exhibition of notable achievements of the organisation since its formation in 1963. The event was held on Friday, 24th May, 2024, under the theme “Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century: Building Resilient Education Systems for Increased Access to Inclusive, Lifelong, Quality, and Relevant Learning in Africa”.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, stated that the commemoration of the AU Day underscores the importance of peace, security, stability, and economic growth for the prosperity of African people.
Hon. Ampratwum-Sarpong noted that the theme for the celebration reiterated the important role of education in unlocking the potential of every individual in the society. He stated that Ghana was on her way to achieving the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal No. 4 with the introduction of the Free Senior High School Policy.
The Deputy Minister urged Member States of the AU to strengthen their commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a flagship project of the AU, as it had the potential to accelerate sustainable growth and development of the continent.
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco and Dean of the African Group of Ambassadors, H.E. Mrs. Imane Quaadil, in her remarks stated that it had become necessary for the continent to build a valuable base of human capital to serve as the engine for economic transformation.
The Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Mr. Wamkele Mene, in a speech read on his behalf, encouraged the private sector to seize the opportunity presented by the AfCFTA as it offers a single investment area and a regulatory framework for trade and investment across the continent. In attendance were members of the Diplomatic Corps, officers and men from the security agencies, government officials, students from selected Senior High Schools and the general public.
