Kenya has lost bid to host African Continental Free Trade Area to Ghana, even as African leaders meeting in Niger operationalise the trade body.
The decision which was made at the 12th extraordinary session of the assembly of African Union heads of state in Niger on Sunday will now see Ghana benefit from trappings of power that comes with the permanent office.
Besides, gaining prominence and prestige, Ghana will also secure jobs for its citizens at the secretariat and get cash boost to its travel and tourism industries.
Ghana President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has already committed $10 million (Sh1 billion) to help set up the office.
Kenya which on Friday was optimistic of clinching the spot had to swallow the bitter pill yesterday to congratulation the West African nation.
‘’Congratulations to Ghana’’, Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Macharia Kamau wrote in response to the Star which had sought his comment on the defeat.