The Summit will launch officially the operational phase of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), after it achieved maturity on 30th May, 2019, when the 22nd Member-State deposited its instrument of ratification at the AU Commission headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Today, Sunday, July 7, 2019, Ghana is expected to be announced as the host country for the Secretariat of the AfCFTA, after beating off competition from countries like Egypt, Ethiopia, Eswatini, Kenya, Senegal and Madagascar.

This was contained in a statement issued and signed by the Director of Communication of the Presidency, Mr Eugene Arhin.
France

It said President Akufo-Addo would leave Niger on Monday, 8th July, 2019, to begin a three-day official visit to France, at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron.

It added that in addition to holding bilateral talks with President Macron, aimed at deepening the ties of co-operation and bonds of friendship between the two countries, President Akufo-Addo would meet with members of the Ghanaian community; deliver an address at the France-Ghana Business Forum; visit the Port of Marseille; and hold meetings with French multinational companies such as Total and Société Générale.

Leave

The statement said the President would leave France on Thursday, 11th July, and proceed to take a week’s leave of absence, as part of his annual leave.

It said the he was accompanied by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Ms Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey; Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen; CEO of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, Mr Yofi Grant and officials from the Presidency and the Foreign Ministry.

It said the President Akufo-Addo would return to Ghana on 18th July, 2019, and in his absence, the Vice President, Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, shall, in accordance with Article 60(8) of the Constitution, act in his stead.