President Akufo-Addo, has called on African leaders and the continent’s development partner, the United States of America, to as a matter of necessity, take steps to turn Africa into a place of investment, progress, and prosperity to stop the youth of the continent from fleeing it in search of a better life in another part of the world.
Addressing attendees of the “Africa and Diaspora Young Leaders Forum” as part of the 2022 US-Africa Summit at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC, President Akufo-Addo, said it is time for Africa to stop begging and to rather take a conscious decision to spend Africa’s money within the continent to secure her development.
“We must help make Africa a place for investment, progress and prosperity and not from where our youth flee in the hope of accessing the mirage of a better life in Europe, Asia or the Americas.
“That is what beyond the return seeks to do so we can derive maximum dividends from our relations with the diaspora in mutually beneficial cooperation and as partners for shared growth and development,” President Akufo-Addo said in his remarks at the closing session of the “Africa and Diaspora Young Leaders Forum”.
No more excuses
In emphasizing his passionate plea to his colleague African leaders and US officials, President Akufo-Addo said “the second half of the 20th century witnessed a great blow for human progress and freedom when the Africa peoples in the wake of Ghana’s shining example, liberated themselves from the colonial and imperialist yoke and the racist ideology of apartheid and emerged as free independent peoples to construct new nations of hope and advancement”.
“The first half of the 21st century” President Akufo-Addo said should as of right, “consolidate this development and see the growth of modern, prosperous, technologically advance nations within the united Africa which will make a reality of the dream of the 21st century as the Africa century and bring dignity and respect to black people all over the world”.
“We have done enough talking, and there I say we have had enough conferences and workshops. We know what we need to do. It’s time just to do it.
“We have run out of excuses for the state of our continent. We have the manpower, we should have the political will, it is time to make Africa work” Akufo-Ado pointed out.
According to the President, Africans “have good reason to be proud of who we are and of the beautiful continent which is ours with the vibrant cultures”.
“The geographic space covered by Africa”, Akufo-Addo noted; “makes it [Africa], the second largest of the 7 continents and has 30% of the worlds remaining minerals of value, it has some of the most breathtaking scenes on our planet”.
Keep at it, stop begging
Africa, President Akufo-Addo posited; “has plants and animals that are the wonders of the world and critical for the survival of the globe. I hear a lot about the need to change our narrative and tell our own good story. As the saying goes, nothing succeeds as success”.
“If we work at it, if we stop being beggars, and spend Africa’s monies inside the continent, Africa will not need to ask for respect from anyone. We will get the respect we deserve” President said.
“30 years ago, 20 years ago, China was nowhere near where it is today. China does not ask anyone for respect now because she does not need it. let us make our continent the prosperous and joyful place it should be and respect will follow” he added.
Working with Africa
Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris, speaking alongside the Ghanaian leader, registered her appreciation to President Akufo-Addo, for his strong advocacy aimed at strengthening the relations that exist between the US, Ghana and the rest of Africa.
She noted that Africa’s young leaders are a huge asset to the continent and the United States stands ready to support all young talents and enterprises to grow in their chosen fields of endeavour.
“The Biden, Harris administration intend to be right there alongside you, these young leaders, knowing it is the spark and determination of young people that will drive and move us forward”, US Vice President Kamala Harris said.
“In the coming days as well as the months and years ahead, our administration will invest our time and energy to fortify partnerships across the continent, partnerships that importantly, are grounded on the condor, openness, inclusiveness, shared interests and mutual benefits and overall, our administration will be guided not by what we can do for Africa but we can do with Africa” Kamala Harris added.
The US – Africa Summit
President of the United States, Joe Biden is hosting some 49 leaders from across the African continent in Washington, DC from 13 -15 December 2022, for the U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit.
The Summit seeks to demonstrate the United States enduring commitment to Africa and will underscore the importance of US – Africa relations and increased cooperation on shared global priorities.
Africa, the United States President is quoted to have said “will shape the future — not just the future of the African people, but of the world. Africa will make the difference in tackling the most urgent challenges and seizing the opportunities we all face”.
The U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit seeks to build on US shared values to better; Foster new economic engagement, advance peace, security, and good governance, reinforce the commitment to democracy, human rights, and civil society, and work collaboratively to strengthen regional and global health security. promote food security, respond to the climate crisis, amplify diaspora ties and promote education and youth leadership.
From Wilberforce Asare