President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has made a strong case for Africa’s need for equal opportunities, dismissing the notion of relying on handouts from Western countries. Speaking at the Annual UN General Assembly in New York on Wednesday, September 25, the Ghanaian leader emphasized that Africa requires opportunities, not aid, to unlock its full potential and drive sustainable growth.
He called for a global system that allows Africans to access education, health care, and jobs, essential components for the continent’s development.
During his address, President Akufo-Addo expressed his concerns about the biased global perception of Africa as a region in need of constant support, rather than an equal partner in global progress. He highlighted that this view has long hindered Africa’s ability to shape its own future and fully contribute to the international community. According to him, the existing global framework often treats Africa as an afterthought, which limits its capacity to capitalize on its vast resources and potential.
“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,” President Akufo-Addo remarked.
In his passionate speech, the President criticized the nature of Western aid, which he said often comes with conditions that restrict Africa’s ability to pursue its own path to development. He pointed out that while aid is often offered under the guise of support, it frequently limits the continent’s sovereignty, preventing African nations from determining their own future. He described this type of aid as a hindrance rather than a solution, noting that Africa needs real partnerships that enable its people to thrive.
“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,” President Akufo-Addo stated, underscoring the frustration that many African leaders feel towards the traditional aid model.
President Akufo-Addo used the platform to highlight Africa’s achievements and its potential for further development. He emphasized that the continent is not one of despair but rather one full of great possibilities. He noted that given the right opportunities, Africa could rise to its potential and become a major player in the global economy. However, for this to happen, the continent must be allowed to chart its own course of development without being constrained by external influences.
“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,” Akufo-Addo said. He stressed that Africa is ready to take control of its own destiny, provided that the global community offers it the same opportunities as other regions.
The President’s call for equal opportunities rather than aid is a reflection of the growing sentiment among African leaders who are advocating for a shift in the global relationship with Africa. Rather than being viewed as a continent in perpetual need, Africa should be seen as a region capable of contributing meaningfully to global progress. President Akufo-Addo’s speech served as a reminder that Africa’s development should be driven by its own people, with the necessary tools and resources at their disposal.
“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 concluded, making it clear that Africa is not looking for charity but for a fair chance to compete on the global stage.
As Africa continues to navigate the challenges of development, President Akufo-Addo’s message is one of empowerment. By shifting the focus from aid to opportunity, the continent can begin to break free from the cycle of dependency that has long plagued its development efforts. The President’s speech at the UN General Assembly calls for a rethinking of the global system to ensure that Africa is treated as an equal partner, capable of shaping its own future and contributing to the collective progress of the world.
In sum, President Akufo-Addo’s address sends a powerful message that Africa’s future lies in its own hands, and that with the right opportunities, it can achieve great things. The call for equal partnerships and access to resources like education and jobs is a clear indication of the continent’s readiness to move away from the outdated model of Western aid.
As the world listens to Africa’s demands, the hope is that the global community will begin to provide the opportunities that Africans are seeking, ensuring a brighter future for the continent and the world at large.
