Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has congratulated former Nigerian finance minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on her historic appointment as the first female Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
According to the presidency, in a letter addressed to the new WTO boss, Mr Akufo-Addo expressed delight at the fact that her election was by consensus of the General Council of the WTO, thereby making Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala “the first woman and first African to occupy the of Director-General of the Organisation.”
This, according to the President “is a tribute to black women the world over, particularly to African women”, the presidency noted in a release.
“Her appointment, the President explained, comes at a time when Africa has taken steps to liberalise intra-continental trade through the Africa Continental Free Trade Area, and the challenges brought about by COVID-19,” the release indicated.
“I am of the firm conviction that you are eminently qualifies to lead the Organisation in these momentous times, and I assure you of the full support of the Government of Ghana in your new role,” President Akufo-Addo added.
The President, in a letter dated 17th February, sent a congratulatory message to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, on the appointment of Dr. Okonjo-Iweala to her new position, according to the release.
Mr Akufo-Addo, the release indicated, assured the people of Nigeria and her Government of the “support of the Government of Ghana in her new role.”
By Melvin Tarlue