Following the recent rebellion in West Africa, the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) says Ghana’s hosting of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat poses a severe threat to the country’s security.

The NCCE is concerned that opening Ghana’s borders to free trade and the flow of products and services could allow violent extremist organizations to invade the country.

During a meeting with officials from Parliament’s Public Engagement Department, the NCCE’s Deputy Chairperson, Samuel Asare Akuamoah, emphasized the importance of working together to safeguard Ghana’s democracy and ensure the success of the AfCFTA.

“It was not just given to us. We went to bid for it among all the over 50 countries, and we won to open our borders and the borders of the continent.”

“Free trade, movement of goods and services, and now look at the subregion of West Africa where the secretariat is located. We are troubled by jihadist, violent extremist groups, coup d’état and so how do you open up.”

“It is a challenge that confronts us. So, as we go out, parliamentary service whether you are alone or working with us, as you engage the community you should also look at the issue of radicalization and violent extremism,” Mr. Asare Akuamoah noted.

About AfCFTA

The AfCFTA is one of the flagship projects of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, the African Union’s long-term development strategy for transforming the continent into a global powerhouse.

As part of its mandate, the AfCFTA is to eliminate trade barriers and boost intra-Africa trade.