The 61st African Union (AU) Day has been celebrated with a flag-raising ceremony at the forecourt of the State House Accra on Friday 24 May, 2024.

The celebration was held under the theme "Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa."

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco and Dean of the African Group, Her Excellency Mrs Imane Quaadil, in her opening remarks, stated that the celebration holds historical significance, marking the founding of the continental organization, with a theme focused on commitment to education to transform Africa into the world's powerhouse for the 21st century.

The Ambassador stated that “if knowledge is power then Education is the key to unlocking unique opportunity for member states to recommit to achieving the continental strategy for education in Africa with focus on education, particularly in science, technology, and mathematics”.

The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, indicated that the day seeks to symbolize unity among all member states, reflecting on progress made by the Union in pursuit of a united, prosperous and peaceful Africa.

He noted that the ceremony recognizes the importance of peace, security, stability, and economic growth for prosperity, adding that African leaders remain committed to addressing issues of food insecurity, energy, democracy and climate change. 

He stated that President Nana Addo Darkwa Akufo-Ado was committed to the theme, investing more in quality education to empower every Ghanaian to meet human resource needs, which has led to the implementation of the free Senior High School policy.

Hon Ampratwum-Sarpong urged member states to strengthen commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCTA), which has the potential to shape the future, strengthen its position in the global market and uplift lives to accelerate sustainable growth and development on the continent.

The Chief of Staff of AFCTA, Mr Silver Ojakol appealed to partners to support implementation to enhance the development of Africa. He urged heads of states to ensure that the agreement establishing AFCTA, which creates a single market for goods and services, a single investment area, and a predictable regime in the legal and regulatory framework for trade and investment on the continent succeeds.