Osafo Marfo to represent Prez Akufo-Addo on Steering Committee of AUDA-NEPAD
President Akufo-Addo has nominated Yaw Osafo-Maafo, Senior Presidential Advisor, to serve as his personal representative on the Steering Committee of the African Union Development Agency and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA–NEPAD).
A statement in relation to Mr Osafo-Maafo’s nomination indicates that he will serve as the National Focal Point for coordinating AUDA–NEPAD programs and stakeholder engagements, according to a statement from the Presidency to the Ghana News Agency.
Nardos Bekele-Thomas, the CEO of AUDA–NEPAD, accompanied by Mrs Katra Sambili, Special Assistant and Advisor on Diaspora Affairs, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, paid a courtesy call to the Senior Presidential Advisor’s Office on June 20, 2023.
Yaw Osafo-Maafo with some AUDA–NEPAD Executives
Prior to this appointment, Mr Osafo-Maafo held several prominent positions, including Senior Minister from 2017-2020, Minister of Education and Sports from 2005-2006, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning from 2001-2005, Managing Director of the National Investment Bank from 1990-1992, and Board Chairman of Nestle Ghana Limited.
AUDA-NEPAD plays a vital role in advancing Agenda 2063, the African Union’s strategic framework for Africa’s development over the next five decades.
It aims to achieve a prosperous, integrated, and united Africa. The statement highlighted that AUDA-NEPAD’s work in Ghana aligns with the country’s national development priorities.
Key areas of focus for AUDA-NEPAD include agriculture and food security, infrastructure development, education and skills development, climate change and natural resource management, gender equality and women’s empowerment, as well as health and social development.
The agency will also be involved in specific projects in West Africa, such as road upgrades, border post-construction, transboundary water supply systems, climate change training programs, and the establishment of a Centre of Excellence at the African Institute for Mathematical Science based in Ghana.
Ghana has actively participated in NEPAD activities since its inception and remains committed to working with AUDA-NEPAD to accelerate Africa’s socio-economic development.
AUDA-NEPAD, an African-owned agency established in June 2018 by the decision of the African Union Heads of State and Government, coordinates and implements development programs and projects across Africa.
It promotes partnerships, mobilizes resources and expertise, addresses development challenges, and fosters sustainable growth.