Former President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, has called for stronger cooperation among African nations to address the continent’s challenges without over-relying on foreign aid.
Speaking at a book launch in Abuja in honor of former Nigerian military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, Akufo-Addo emphasized the need for self-sufficiency, citing lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“There is no such thing as charity in international relations. Nobody is going to give you vaccines until their own needs have been fully satisfied,” he stated.
He noted that African countries like Senegal, Nigeria, South Africa, and Rwanda have recognized this reality and taken steps to manufacture their own vaccines rather than waiting for external support.
Highlighting Africa’s economic struggles including inflation, debt burdens, and supply chain disruptions Akufo-Addo urged nations to focus on intra-continental trade and investment.
He stressed the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a key driver of economic transformation. “If we are to move beyond our historical economic challenges, we must fully embrace the AfCFTA.
Removing trade barriers and fostering economic integration will create the conditions necessary for sustainable growth,” he remarked.
The former ECOWAS Chair also warned against the dangers of long-term dependence on donor support, which often comes with restrictive conditions. “Foreign aid is not free—it comes with conditions that may not align with our long-term interests. We must prioritize investments in our people, industries, and agriculture to ensure true self-reliance,” he concluded.
