Ghanaian lawyer and policy strategist Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko has renewed his call for a borderless African market, arguing that recurring tensions among African nationals point to deeper structural and economic challenges across the continent.

In a statement shared on X, he cautioned against treating recent attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa as isolated incidents, referencing similar historical tensions involving migrants within the region.

He noted that such developments reflect long-standing issues rooted in Africa’s fragmented post-colonial economic structure.

According to him, “attacks in South Africa should not be seen in isolation. It is not even peculiar,” adding that similar patterns of tension have occurred between African countries in past decades, including between Ghana and Nigeria.

Otchere-Darko argued that the solution lies in deeper economic integration across the continent, insisting that “we need to build a single market of Africa.”

He explained that such a system would transform Africa into a unified economic bloc, unlocking large-scale trade and investment opportunities.

Expanding on the vision, he stated that integration would create a continental consumer base capable of reshaping investment flows, noting that “it will mean that we now become 1.5 billion consumer market.”

He added that businesses would benefit significantly, with factories in cities such as Tema gaining access to markets across Africa, while improving logistics, reducing trade barriers, and stimulating job creation.

The policy analyst further highlighted potential benefits including cheaper air travel, improved digital connectivity, and enhanced financial interoperability across the continent.

He also pointed to models in countries like India and China, arguing that large integrated markets have been central to their global economic competitiveness.

Addressing migration concerns, he referenced existing frameworks under the Economic Community of West African States, which already permit relatively free movement across member states, including Ghana and Nigeria.