by Alex Osei-Boateng
ACCRA, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo on Tuesday reiterated his full commitment to Africa's political and economic integration.
The Ghanaian leader, who is in Equatorial Guinea for a three-day visit, has called for strengthening the African Union (AU).
"I believe it is extremely important for the welfare of the 1.2 billion people of the continent that we, the leaders, demonstrate strong political will to make the AU an economic and political success, and to make the project of integration real," the presidency quoted him as saying in a release.
He said with Africa's population set to reach some 2 billion people in 20 years' time, an African common market presents immense opportunities.
"The time for African integration is now," he said, adding that Ghana and Equatorial Guinea should be in the forefront of the process that would convert the AU into a true continental market.
Akufo-Addo said his visit to Equatorial Guinea was to strengthen ties between the two countries, as well as explore further areas of co-operation.
He was hopeful that his visit would kick-start the re-commencement of formal sessions of the Ghana-Equatorial Guinea Permanent Joint Commission of Cooperation, revive the Air Services Agreement between the two countries, and re-establish direct flights between Accra and Malabo.
