President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has called for the total integration of Africa “now” as it presents opportunities for prosperity and growth on the continent.

Mr Akufo-Addo made the observation as Africa marked the 54th African Union Day on Thursday, 25 May, 2017.

“Continental integration has to be a very fundamental objective of all of the peoples and governments in Africa, as we celebrate #AUDay. The time for African integration is now, as this presents immense opportunities to bring prosperity, enterprise, and creativity,” the Ghanaian leader said in a tweet.

The time for African integration is now, as this presents immense opportunities to bring prosperity, enterprise and creativity. #AUDay

— Nana Akufo-Addo (@NAkufoAddo) May 25, 2017

Continental integration has to be a very fundamental objective of all of the peoples and governments in Africa, as we celebrate #AUDay.

— Nana Akufo-Addo (@NAkufoAddo) May 25, 2017

This year’s AU Day is celebrated under the theme: “Harnessing the Demographic Dividends through Investments in the Youth.”

In Ghana, a flag-raising ceremony will be held at the forecourt of the State House with Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in attendance as well as the Dean of the diplomatic corps.

It will be followed in the evening with a cocktail reception at the Accra International Conference Centre to be attended by government officials, some members of society as well as the African diplomatic corps in Ghana.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also outlined a week-long programme of activities to mark the day.

Other events that have already taken place include a health walk, quiz, and media engagements.

Africa Day is the annual commemoration of the 1963 founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), presently recognised as the African Union (AU).