AfCFTA Sec. General's 'positive COVID test' false

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Secretariat, says its Secretary General, Wamkele Mene, will participate in upcoming events after independent PCR tests confirmed that he was issued with a false-positive COVID-19 test result at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).

The Secretariat in a statement issued on April 27, 2021, said after Mr Mene tested positive following an antigen test at the KIA, he went into quarantine and undertook two independent tests, from two different private labs - both of which returned negative results.

The statement further disclosed that Mr Mene received the Johnson & Johnson (J & J) COVID-19 vaccine two weeks ago "which should provide him with an additional measure of protection".

It said the Secretary General will therefore participate in all the upcoming events, namely: (i) the Inaugural Meeting of the Dispute Settlement Body Committee (DSB) meeting taking place from Monday 26 April 2021 until Wednesday 28th April 2021; and (ii) the meeting of Senior Trade Officials from the 29th April to 1st May 2021 and the Council of Minister’s meeting on Monday the 3rd May 2021.

Read the entire statement below;

AfCFTA Secretariat announces Covid-19 Negative Test Result for Secretary-General Covid

A routine antigen test, was performed on H.E Wamkele Mene, at Kotoka International Airport upon his return from a mission outside the country. This antigen test returned Covid-19 positive result.

Following the initial positive test result , His Excellency took precautionary steps and went into quarantine whilst receiving guidance and advice from his medical team. His medical team advised him to undergo further independent PCR tests. Consequently, His Excellency undertook two independent tests, from two different private labs. Both independent PCR tests returned a negative result, clearing the Secretary General of Covid 19. It appears that the Covid-19 antigen test that was conducted at the airport produced a false positive result.

In addition, it is worth noting that almost 2 weeks ago, His Excellency received the Johnson & Johnson (J & J) vaccine, which should provide him with an additional measure of protection. His Excellency continues to adhere to all prescribed Covid 19 protocols.

He will participate in all the upcoming events, namely: (i) the Inaugural Meeting of the Dispute Settlement Body Committee (DSB) meeting taking place from Monday 26 April 2021 until Wednesday 28th April 2021; and (ii) the meeting of Senior Trade Officials from the 29th April to 1st May 2021 and the Council of Minister’s meeting on Monday the 3rd May 2021.

The AfCFTA Secretariat, continues to encourage all staff and stakeholders to be vigilant and adhere to prescribed Covid 19 protocols. Stay Safe.

About the African Continental Free Trade Area

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a flagship project of Agenda 2063 of the African Union. Its overarching objective is to boost intra-Africa trade; deepen the economic integration of the African continent, and create a single market. It will in this way contribute to Agenda 2063 and the fulfilment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The AfCFTA aims to improve trade between African countries by facilitating, in a phased manner, the movement of goods, services, investment and people across the continent. This will enhance competitiveness of African countries in the global market, while encouraging industrial development through diversification. Ultimately, the AfCFTA’s aims to be the engine of industrialisation and economic transformation for the continent.

Issued by the Office of the Secretary General: Africa African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFCTA)