MP warns that national legislatures hold the key to the continent’s economic future
Ghanaian lawmaker Patricia Appiagyei has issued a stark warning about Africa’s ambitious free trade goals, emphasizing that the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) depends on national parliaments approving and implementing key policies.
“We can sign agreements all we want, but if our parliaments don’t act, Africa’s free trade dreams will remain on paper,” Appiagyei declared.
THE PARLIAMENTARY CHALLENGE
Appiagyei highlighted that bureaucracy, delays in ratification, and lack of political will at the national level could stall Africa’s integration and intra-continental trade growth.
She stressed that MPs must:
- Fast-track trade-friendly legislation
- Ensure regional agreements are enforceable locally
- Promote policies that enhance cross-border commerce
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The lawmaker’s warning comes as Africa seeks to boost intra-trade, create jobs, and reduce reliance on imports, but faces hurdles from uneven legislative support across countries.
CALL TO ACTION
Appiagyei urged African legislators to rise to the occasion, noting that parliamentary engagement is the linchpin of continental economic transformation.
“Without active participation from parliaments, free trade remains a dream, not a reality,” she said.
