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“Africa at a plateau of pragmatic rationalism”
Nana Sifa Twum
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Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has stated that Ghana has taken the lead again in Africa’s progression to a new era of rule by reason.
He said in current world affairs, the power of reason is manifested in the tenacity and fortitude of united countries that is being steered prominently but quietly by Ghana. This he noted, is enhanced greatly by the considerable esteem Ghana enjoys worldwide as well as pragmatic measures put in place to propel the country to greater heights.
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Nana Akufo-Addo was delivering a public lecture at the Oxford University in the United Kingdom. The lecture, formed part of two public lectures organised annually by the political department of the University on African politics and development.
The lecture was attended by a large audience including students, lecturers and other staff of the university as well as other guests including a former British high Commissioner to Ghana, Mr. Craig J. Murray, also present was Ghana’s High Commissioner to the UK, Mr. Isaac Osei. His topic was Ghana, the Democratic Project; Challenges and Prospects.
He noted that ‘Africa is gradually reaching a plateau of pragmatic rationalism in the conduct of its affairs, and Ghana is taking the lead in this.’
‘For the continent, this era was launched ceremoniously by the inauguration of the African Union (AU) in succession to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). In current world affairs, the power of reason is manifest in the tenacity and fortitude of a United Nations that is steered quietly by a Ghanaian’ Nana Akufo Addo observed.
He said the power of reason was exemplified in Liberia by the presidential choice of a mature, no-nonsense economist, adding that the political epoch of rule by reason, Ghana’s current government enjoys a world wide esteem seldom bragged about, and it was given yet another boost for having contributed to creating the enabling environment which culminated in the election of Africa’s first elected female leader, in apparent reference to President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia.
Nana Akufo-Addo observed that Ghana has a long and proud history of supporting other African countries in times of need. ‘From the early period of the independence struggle, when Ghana provided the inspiration and the need to pro-independence movements all across Africa, to our recent peacekeeping engagements in the continent and the world over, we have distinguished ourselves as reliable international partner in development and peacemaking.’ The Foreign Minister noted.
He said the more the nation gets involved in enhancing democracy within the African continent and beyond, the more the country guarantees its domestic democracy.
He said such efforts by Ghana have not without success. According to the Foreign Minister, Ghana’s contribution to resolving some conflicts on the continent has resulted in the election of new governments in Liberia and Bissau. Again, he noted, Ghana has ensured the stability in Sierra Leone and also engineered a structured democracy for her neighbours, Togo.
Nana Akufo-Addo reiterated that a strong and a unified foundation for socio-economic transformation have been laid for a massive drive in achieving the best for the populace.
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