In a speech delivered at the 5th anniversary of the Council on Foreign Relations Ghana, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo called for a new development cooperation paradigm that is centered on partnership, mutual accountability, sustainability, and local ownership.

Addressing the theme “The Limits of the Current Development Co-operation Framework for Africa’s Transformation,” the President highlighted the need for a shift from donor-recipient relationships to genuine partnerships that recognize the mutual interests and shared responsibilities of all stakeholders.

President Akufo-Addo emphasized that African countries must take the lead in defining their development priorities and shaping the agenda for cooperation. “Development cooperation should be based on genuine partnerships that recognize the mutual interests and shared responsibilities of all stakeholders,” he stated. He urged development partners to support these priorities and align their efforts with national development plans.

Mutual accountability, the President argued, is fundamental for effective development cooperation. He called for transparent monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track progress and ensure that development interventions are delivering tangible outcomes. “By promoting mutual accountability, we can heighten the effectiveness and impact of development cooperation,” he noted.

The President also underscored the importance of sustainability in development cooperation. He called for a focus on long-term, sustainable solutions that target the root causes of underdevelopment and promote inclusive growth. Additionally, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the need to integrate environmental sustainability into development planning and implementation to ensure that development gains are resilient and enduring.

In his speech, President Akufo-Addo addressed the limitations of the current development cooperation framework, which he said often limits the involvement of local communities and civil society organizations in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of development projects. He argued that this lack of local participation can lead to a lack of relevance, sustainability, and accountability in development interventions.

To alleviate this limitation, the President called for more inclusive and participatory approaches to development. He stressed the importance of empowering local communities, enhancing the capacity of civil society organizations, and ensuring that development interventions are responsive to the needs and aspirations of local people. “By encouraging local ownership and participation, we can enrich the sustainability and impact of development cooperation,” he stated.

President Akufo-Addo also highlighted the importance of good governance and strong institutions in achieving sustainable development. He noted that the current development cooperation framework often pays insufficient attention to governance and institutional development, which he described as fundamental to sustainable development. The President called for governance reforms and institutional development, emphasizing the need to strengthen democratic institutions, promote transparency and accountability, and build the capacity of public institutions.

In conclusion, President Akufo-Addo called on African leaders and development partners to work together to build a new paradigm for development cooperation that is based on partnership, mutual accountability, sustainability, and local ownership. He expressed confidence that by tackling the limitations of the current framework and embracing a more holistic and inclusive approach, Africa can achieve the transformative change to which it aspires.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has at the 5th anniversary of the Council on Foreign Relations Ghana urged African leaders and international development partners to critically reassess the current development cooperation framework.

Speaking on the theme “The Limits of the Current Development Co-operation Framework for Africa’s Transformation,” the President highlighted the successes and challenges of Africa’s development journey since the end of colonialism.

President Akufo-Addo acknowledged the progress Africa has made in sectors like agriculture, education, health, and infrastructure, crediting international partnerships and various development frameworks for these achievements. However, he pointed out that despite these gains, significant challenges such as poverty, inequality, and underdeveloped infrastructure continue to plague the continent.

He criticized the dependency on external aid as a major limitation of the current development cooperation framework, arguing that it undermines domestic ownership and self-reliance. “Overreliance on aid weakens the capacity of African governments to generate and mobilize domestic resources, ultimately hindering sustainable development,” he stated.

To address these challenges, President Akufo-Addo called for a shift towards economic self-sufficiency, emphasizing the need to stimulate domestic resource mobilization, nurture entrepreneurship, and create an enabling environment for indigenous private sector investment. He also stressed the importance of reducing aid dependency, particularly in light of the emerging geopolitical climate in the West, where populist governments are cutting aid budgets.

Another critical issue raised by the President was the fragmentation of aid efforts, which often leads to inefficiencies and duplication. He advocated for greater harmonization and alignment of aid efforts with national development priorities, promoting mutual accountability and a more coordinated approach to maximize the impact of aid.

President Akufo-Addo also highlighted the need for structural transformation of Africa’s economies, moving beyond short-term projects to long-term sustainable development. He emphasized the importance of policies that promote economic diversification, increase productivity, and create decent jobs. The President cited his government’s One-District-One-Factory (1D1F) initiative as a key effort towards achieving this structural transformation.

In conclusion, President Akufo-Addo called for a new development cooperation paradigm based on genuine partnerships, mutual accountability, sustainability, and local ownership. He emphasized that African countries must take the lead in defining their development priorities, with development partners supporting these efforts in a collaborative and respectful manner.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan, sent a congratulatory message to Prime Minister of the Republic of India, H.E. Shri Narendra Modi on the occasion of India’s 78th Independence Day.

In his message, President Ramkalawan, stated:

“On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Seychelles, as well as on my own behalf, I wish to extend to you and the people of the republic of India our warmest congratulations on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of India.

On marking its 78th Independence Day anniversary, Seychelles commends India for its economic transformation during the past few decades. Under your leadership, India has not only strengthened its position as a global leader but also made significant strides in fostering inclusive development and economic growth. the transformative initiatives undertaken by your government has contributed to the upliftment of millions, demonstrating India’s unwavering commitment to socio-economic development of its people, as well as progress and prosperity for India.

The enduring friendship and collaboration between Seychelles and India serve as strong foundations for our nations. This partnership is bolstered by our shared history, cultural connections, and mutual aspirations for our nations. India’s crucial support through its neighbourhood first policy has been instrumental in enhancing regional security.

Given the current resurgence of maritime piracy in the Indian Ocean, Seychelles greatly appreciates India’s pivotal role in upholding maritime security, safeguarding shipping routes, and combatting maritime crimes in the region.

As India celebrates its Independence Day anniversary, I wish to reiterate Seychelles’ dedication to further enhancing our bilateral relations. I am confident that our partnership will continue to flourish, bringing about new opportunities for collaboration for the mutual benefit of our people.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism – Foreign Affairs Department, Republic of Seychelles.

The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has underscored the pivotal role of technology, education, and health in driving Africa’s transformation.

Speaking at the 5th anniversary of the Council on Foreign Relations Ghana, the President delivered a speech on the theme “The Limits of the Current Development Co-operation Framework for Africa’s Transformation,” highlighting the need for investments in these critical sectors to achieve sustainable and inclusive development across the continent.

President Akufo-Addo emphasized that the digital revolution presents unprecedented opportunities for accelerating development, improving service delivery, and enhancing economic competitiveness in Africa. However, he noted that these opportunities also come with challenges that must be addressed to ensure that the benefits of technology are equitably distributed.

“To harness the promise of technology, we have to invest in digital infrastructure through the expansion of broadband connectivity, improving access to information and communication technologies (ICT), and developing digital skills,” the President stated. He emphasized that bridging the digital divide is essential to ensuring that all Africans have access to the tools and resources needed to participate in the digital economy.

President Akufo-Addo also highlighted the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship as key drivers of economic growth and development. He called for the creation of an enabling environment for startups and the development of innovation ecosystems that can promote the creation of new technologies and business models that address local challenges.

In the area of education, President Akufo-Addo reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring access to quality education for all Ghanaians. He pointed to the success of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, which has led to the highest ever enrolment of children in senior high school in Ghana’s history. The President also emphasized the importance of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in bridging skills gaps and promoting employability.

“Access to quality education is, in my view, a fundamental right and a driver of development,” President Akufo-Addo stated. He called for continued investment in educational infrastructure and resources to ensure that all children, regardless of their background, have access to quality education.

The President also addressed the critical role of health in sustainable development, noting that a healthy population is essential for driving economic growth and development. He highlighted his administration’s efforts to improve healthcare delivery in Ghana, including the ambitious Agenda 111 initiative, which aims to construct 111 district hospitals and regional facilities across the country.

President Akufo-Addo also pointed to the establishment of the National Vaccine Institute as a key step towards achieving self-reliance in the production of vaccines, a lesson learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized the importance of investing in health infrastructure, training healthcare professionals, and prioritizing primary healthcare and preventive services to improve health outcomes and build resilience against health threats.

In conclusion, President Akufo-Addo called for continued investment in technology, education, and health as critical pillars of Africa’s transformation. He expressed confidence that by harnessing the power of technology, ensuring access to quality education, and building strong health systems, Africa can achieve sustainable and inclusive development, ultimately transforming the continent’s future.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.