African countries need to engage closely through trade, investments, political cooperation – Akufo-Addo
Delivering the keynote address at the 22nd Annual Conference of the Academy of African Business and Development held at the University of Professional Studies (UPSA), Accra, President Akuffo Addo has said among other things that together, African countries need to build our continent by building upon our strengths and holding each other up.
“African countries need to engage more closely, deeply, and competitively through trade, investments, political cooperation, and enhanced regional initiatives in peace and security.
“Together, African countries need to build our continent by building upon our strengths and holding each other up.
“Then, and only then, can we grow organically, by wielding greater negotiating power to develop the continent of Africa,” he said.
Africa has been and continues to rely on international aid for its development. Though the volume of international aid received may be relatively small compared to its total annual expenditure, it represents a substantial part of the discretionary funds available to governments once statutory payments have been set aside.
International aid, therefore, is one of the key sources of funding for ongoing development projects in many nations.
Amidst the growing criticism of the negative effects of international aid to Africa, President Akufo-Addo proposed a Ghana Beyond Aid vision, an initiative by the government to depend less on the charity of others to cater for the needs of its people.
The conference themed, “Sustainable Development Beyond Aid: The Focus for Africa” calls for further consideration of this new orientation.
The President said Africa must take advantage of the opportunities that AFCtA presents.
The President said Africa imports products including wheat and sunflower worth $4 billion from Russia. He wondered why countries on the Continent, with vast resources, are unable to harness and trade among themselves.
The Academy of African Business and Development is an annual conference attended by renowned Scholars and Practitioners with an interest in Africa.
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