Nana Akufo-Addo, Ghana’s president, has advised African leaders to stop begging for aid and loans from developed countries.
Akufo-Addo made the call on Wednesday at the ongoing US-African Leaders Summit in Washington DC.
He said countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya have what it takes to make the continent great.
The Ghanaian president urged those in leadership positions in Africa to take responsibility for making the continent attractive by providing quality education and opportunities.
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“Africans are more resilient outside the continent than inside,” he said.
“We must bear in mind that to the outside world, nothing like Nigeria, Ghana or Kenya, we are simply Africans. Our destiny as people depends on each other.
“We must work together to change Africa’s narrative which is characterized by disease, hunger, poverty and illegal migration.
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“No matter where you come from, as long as you are black, you are African. We must make Africa conducive for progress and prosperity.”
Akufo-Addo called on African leaders to change their ways, noting that they have run out of excuses.
“We have the manpower, we should have political will, it is time to make Africa work,” he added.
“If we stop begging and spend Africa’s money inside the continent, Africa will not need to ask for respect from anyone, we will get the respect we deserve.
“If we make it prosperous as it should be, respect will follow.”
President Muhammadu Buhari is among 50 African leaders attending the three-day summit which will end on Thursday
