In order to develop in terms of commerce and economic recovery after years of slavery, former president John Dramani Mahama has urged Africa to have a Marshall Plan.
The Marshall Plan, also known as the European Recovery Program, was a U.S. program providing aid to Western Europe following the devastation of World War II
The plan had two major aims; to prevent the spread of communism in Western Europe and to stabilise the international order in a way favourable to the development of political democracy and free-market economies.
Speaking with Hayde Adams on VOA’s Straight Talk Africa programme, Mr John Mahama said slavery has negatively impacted the growth of the African continent.
“After slavery, I think there should be a Marshall plan. I mean slavery affected the continent very adversely and I do believe that if a Marshall plan was put up and we got the right leadership on the continent and we do the kinds of things we are doing; trading, building the infrastructure on the continent, we can create a decent existence for our people.”
The former statesman is optimistic that Africa will emerge as the next major centre for commerce and investment, should the necessary measures be put in place.
In his submission, the former leader also expressed his excitement about the creation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), noting that it was a cause for which he and others had campaigned.
Mr Mahama called the 11% increase in intra-African trade “crazy” and emphasised that the AfCFTA could act as a catalyst for reaching 50% intra-African commerce in the near future.
He claims that by doing this, the African continent will be able to completely benefit from commerce.
“Happily, we have passed the Africa Continental Free Trade Area and as I speak the first commodities are beginning to be exchanged.
A shipment of tiles from Ghana I read this morning is going to Rwanda and a shipment of tea is coming from Kenya to Ghana… I mean that’s good news,” he said.
“We have been advocates of this for so long. We are happy it’s happening now. 11% percent trade amongst ourselves, it’s ridiculous.
We are hoping that this can push trade between ourselves even to 50% so that we are able to multiply the benefits within the continent but also get benefits from outside,” Mahama added.
Source: The Independent Ghana