Accra: The Coalition of Civil Society Organisation on Migration, Ghana (CCMG) has organized a two-day National Dialogue on the African Union Free Movement Protocol in Accra, emphasizing the need for stakeholders to coordinate their efforts to facilitate the ratification of the protocol.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, the Deputy Minister for the Interior, highlighted that economic opportunities, social connections, conflicts, trade routes, and environmental stress are significant drivers of migration flows across the continent. He noted that data had shown intra-African migration extends beyond Africa, stressing the importance of effective migration governance to sustain humane mobility.
The National Dialogue, themed 'Resetting the National Focus Towards the Ratification of the AU Free Movement Protocol', saw the participation of over 100 individuals, including representatives from the African Union, ECOWAS Commission, GIZ Ghana, ICMPD, IOM Ghana, MDAs, members of the CCMG, and the Media.
Mr. Terlabi pointed out that Ghana's recent implementation of a visa-free policy for all African passport holders reflects its readiness to foster closer ties across Africa. He argued that the advantages of open borders outweigh the anticipated challenges, such as security concerns, and called for strategic efforts to advance the ratification process.
Mr. Eric Peasah, the Convenor of the CCMG, stated that the dialogue aimed to gather input from all stakeholders to facilitate the protocol's ratification. He emphasized that the continent's success hinges on the free movement of people and services across borders. Mr. Peasah underscored the need for the AU to leverage ECOWAS Free Movement to aid the ratification process.
He further committed the CCMG to continue advocacy campaigns among the youth and government officials to raise awareness of the protocol. Mr. Peasah urged member states to look beyond security fears and consider the protocol's broader benefits for national development.
