President Akufo-Addo calls for equal opportunities for Africa, rejects western handouts at UN Gen. Assembly

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has called for equal opportunities for Africans, emphasizing that the continent does not need handouts from the West but rather access to education, healthcare, and jobs to drive growth.

Speaking at the Annual UN General Assembly in New York on Wednesday, September 25, President Akufo-Addo expressed concerns over the global system’s bias against Africa, which often portrays the continent as passive aid recipients rather than equal partners.

Highlighting Africa’s potential and resilience, he criticized excessive Western aid that comes with conditions, limiting the continent’s ability to shape its future.

“Africa in particular, knows the cost of being left out. Yes, we are a continent rich in potential and resilient in the face of adversity. We have also been disadvantaged by the global system that has generally treated us as an afterthought. We have been viewed merely as passive recipients of aid rather than as equal partners in global progress.

“Many promises have not been fulfilled to bring about the long-chain assistance that we passionately need. Such aid offered often comes with strings attached, limiting our ability to shape our future. Africa is not a continent of despair, she’s focused on full of great possibilities. She’s required, however, to chart a new course of development.

“The people of Africa are not asking for handouts, they are demanding opportunities in the new global architecture so that they can have access to education, health care and jobs to be able to build better lives for themselves, families and their descendants.”

President Akufo-Addo called for actions, not rhetoric, to ensure that the continent’s development aspirations are fulfilled.

“We cannot in good conscience leave them behind, they should be at the centre of our decision and decision making.”