Speaking during a lecture on leadership and public service dubbed ‘An afternoon with Kofi Annan’ organized by the alumni of his alma mater Mfantsipim College, Kofi Annan asked African governments to “offer our growing population, the opportunity for employment.”

He was quick to add that African leaders  “must allow African youth to lead us into the future with enlightened modernity rooted in African values.”

He also entreated African leaders to “remember the youth of the past leaders.”

Kofi Annan recalled that since “Kwame Nkrumah was 48 when he became the first leader of Ghana in March 1957 and Gamel Abdul Nasser was 38 when he became Egypt’s second president in 1956,” African leaders must “remember that one is not too young to lead nor too old to learn.”

He also chided African leaders for their desire to clinch to power through fraudulent elections.

“A growing number of Presidents are changing their constitutions and subverting elections to remain in power indefinitely. According to international watch dogs, democratic freedoms seem to be in retreat on our continent. Although governments organize elections, many lack integrity.”

In light of the challenges he mentioned, Kofi Annan asked African leaders to “ponder important questions” on whether they had “invested our revenues in areas that will benefit the people, particularly the young?”

He believes African leaders could harness the potentials of the youth by strengthening the three pillars of healthy democratic societies thus, ensuring peace and security, inclusive development, rule of law and respect for human rights.

Kofi Annan said these pillars should be taken holistically and serve as the foundation for Africa’s development agenda.

“A leader must listen…a leader must listen to what is said… and above all, to what is not said. A good leader must also be a good follower and when leaders failed to lead, the people will lead and make them follow …We need strong institutions to buttress our system, we also need to think beyond the State, strong businesses, strong civil societies to hold government to the promises they make to the people will just as be important”.

Masters of our own destinies

Kofi Annan indicated that African leaders “cannot fail to meet our youth’s aspiration with opportunity” adding that the decisions African leaders “take today, both in government, in business and civil society will determine whether the continent can ride the fourth wave successfully.”

“More than ever, out future is in our hands. A bright African future is one that requires Africa’s people as central agents. We must ride the wave that begun long ago at independence to come together to affirm the way forward for the continent.”

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By: citifmonline.com/Ghana

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He instead admonished them to invest in their country’s youth and build strong systems to deliver justice and development to their people.

Delivering his ‘treatise’ during a lecture on leadership and public service dubbed ‘An afternoon with Kofi Annan’ organized by the alumni of his alma mater Mfantsipim College, the renowned Ghanaian international statesman who has spent more than five decades in public service also called on African citizens to contribute their quota towards the transformation of Africa.

Bad leadership

He reproached African leaders saying “a growing number of Presidents are changing their constitutions and subverting elections to remain in power indefinitely. According to international watch dogs, democratic freedoms seem to be in retreat on our continent. Although governments organize elections, many lack integrity.”

He further decried the divisive politicking of ‘unscrupulous African leaders’ noting, ‘elections with integrity confer legitimacy on the winners and offers protection to the losers. But many elections have paradoxically exacerbated identity politics as unscrupulous politicians banded to ethnic and religious cravings and prejudices to mobilize voters in their favour.”

Ticking time bomb

‘These developments’ he warned ‘are all the more serious given the size and expectations of our youth population. African population will grow to 2 billion by 2050 and 4 billion by the end of the century. This demographic boom can be a blessing or a curse depending on the policies we adopt. But on current trends, there are grounds for concern.”

Death of African youth in Mediterranean is hurting and shocking

Even though African youth are ‘better educated, more connected with higher expectations as compared to previous generations’ Kofi Annan is worried their perspective are bleaker. ‘Every year, it hurts me, it hurts me and it shocks me to see thousands of young people drown in the Mediterranean in search for a better life because they do not think it is possible to have that life at home’.

 Call for quality leaders

“No society can long prosper without respect for the rule of law and human rights. The key to our continent’s ability to chart the turbulent waters ahead will be the quality of our leadership. Africa needs courageous persistent and compassionate leaders who will tap into the continents vitality to create a better future,” he charged.

Redefining leadership

“We need true democratic leaders who understand that they are at the service of the citizens and not the other way around. Leadership is service. Leaders must understand that they hold power in trust of the people and it can also be taken away.”

Too few enlightened leaders in Africa

“Unfortunately, Africa has had too few of enlightened people of this kind. Part of the problem is that many countries have for too long invested too much power and hope in strong presidents. Others have been misled by leaders who use by leaders who use this argument to prolong their stay in office often aindefinitely” he regretted.

“A leader must listen’ he intimated continuing thus: ‘he must listen to what he said and above all what is not said. A good leader must also be a good follower. When leaders fail to lead the people will lead and make them follow. In addition, we also need strong institutions to buttress our system. We also need to think beyond the state. Strong businesses, strong civil societies to hold governments’ to the promises they make to the people will be just as important.”

Development not a one man show

Here called on all, to put their shoulders to the wheel to drive Africa’s development agenda. ‘This continent’s development cannot and will not come from a single leader. But from the collective ground swell of change and transformation. We each have a role to play.”

 Enlightened Africa youth rooted in African values

He also called on African governments to invest in the youth and give them to opportunity to lead.

“We must offer our growing population, the opportunity for employment. We must allow African youth to lead us into the future with enlightened modernity rooted in African values. As we look to the future, we must remember the youth of the past leaders. Kwame Nkrumah was 48 when he became the first leader of Ghana in March 1957 and Gamel Abdul Nasser was 38 when he became Egypt’s second president in 1956. We must remember that one is not too young to lead nor too old to learn.”

Nuggets to chew on

“Today’s leaders must ponder important questions, is the welfare of the people the paramount occupation? Have we invested our revenues in areas that will benefit the people, particularly the young? Mfantsipim, after all, means a host of scholars for change. So many of us here were educated at a time, illuminated by the hope of liberation and African revolution. It is our responsibility then and our privilege as Mfantsipim Old boys to serve our people and make progress towards our vision of a successful Africa.”

Dwindling hope

“Both the years of Ghana’s independence when I graduated from Mfantsipim and decades later when I stepped down as Secretary-General of the United Nations, I found myself full of hope for Africa and our global home. I am less optimistic today although the pessimism of the intellect must be tempered by the optimism of will power.”

Crossroads

“Dear friends, we are at cross roads. The period of fast growth is over for the foreseeable future. Many of our countries squandered the opportunities that this period of what some call the super cycle for commodity prices provided. Today we have no choice but to pursue reform in straightened circumstances.”

Masters of our own destinies

“The decisions we take today, both in government, in business and civil society will determine whether the continent can ride the fourth wave successfully. We cannot fail to meet our youth’s aspiration with opportunity. More than ever, out future is in our hands. A bright African future is one that requires Africa’s people as central agents. We must ride the wave that begun long ago at independence to come together to affirm the way forward for the continent.”

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By: Caleb Kudah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

@CalebKudah

The post Too many African leaders ‘unenlightened’ – Kofi Annan appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

He therefore urged private investors and governments to consider agriculture as a business and invest in it to achieve the desired socio-economic development and reduce poverty in Africa.

Mr Annan said this when he visited the Rural Technology Facility (RTF) at Mankessim in the Mfantseman Municipality of the Central Region to access progress of work under the Rural Enterprise Programme (REP).

The REP is a poverty alleviation scheme funded under a loan agreement between the Government of Ghana (GoG) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) through capacity building and entrepreneurship drive for beneficiaries.

According to the Former UN Secretary General, agriculture should further be explored as it could create reliable jobs in every chain of production and advised the youth to see it as a life-long occupation.

Mr Annan said in developed countries, real jobs were created by the small and medium scale enterprises and admonished governments to assist individuals to set up their own businesses.

Mr. Kwasi Attah-Antwi, National Director of REP, said the main focus of REP was to establish an institutional framework that ensured the sustainable delivery of services aimed at transforming and improving the livelihood of people in the rural areas.

He said the REP emphasised on skills training and provision of facilities for business enterprise development.

The REP operated on four main components of ensuring business development services, technology promotion in agribusiness activities to enhance access to finance through financial institutions and strengthening support system within the public and private sector.

Mr. Attah-Antwi said REP had created 34,402 new jobs, established 27,702 new businesses and had positively affected the lives of about 140,000 people since 2012.

He said REP was targeting tertiary unemployed graduates interested in agribusiness in selected agricultural value chains and supported them through the Empowering Novel Agribusiness-Led Employment for Youth (ENABLE YOUTH) Programme.

The European Union(EU) Ambassador to Ghana, Mr William Hanna said the EU would continue to support the training of the youth in entrepreneurship.

He indicated that the EU was in discussion with the new Government for an increased support to small and medium scale enterprises in agribusiness.

Mrs Esther Kasalu-Coffin, IFAD country Director, admonished the facilitators of REP to educate the beneficiaries on how they could access funds to expand their businesses to employ more people.

She said the success of the REP was a clear demonstration of transforming and improving the livelihoods of people in the rural communities.

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Source: GNA

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Asantehemaa Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II is lying in state at the Manhyia Palace, where mourners will be filing past her body until Thursday, when she would finally be buried.

Joining the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, son of the Asantehemaa to mourn, have been former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan; former President of Ghana, John Kufuor, and the British High Commissioner to Ghana, Jon Benjamin among others.

Asantehemaa, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II, who died at the age of 111 in November 2016, will be buried in Breman on Thursday.

As part of the arrangements for the burial of the Queen-mother, no one is to be seen on the streets from Bantama to Breman from 6:00 pm of Thursday, January 19, to 3:00am of Friday 20th January.

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Photos: Lauretta Timah

By: citifmonline.com/Ghana

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Addressing former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan and his wife Nane Annan, on B-Bovid’s OFSP project ongoing in the Western Region, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Issa Ouedraogo, said B-Bovid is pioneering large-scale OFSP production due to the crop’s nutritious benefits for children, pregnant women and lactating mothers.

He said B-Bovid’s current 60 acre OFSP plantation being funded by the Jubilee Partners as part of their corporate social responsibility to benefit coastal communities, will be extended to cover more areas in the Western Region.

The meeting at Elmina in the Central Region to update the Annans on ongoing campaigns aimed at promoting the breeding and consumption of the highly nutritious crop in the Western and Central Regions, was also used to showcase a variety of OFSP processed foods under the promotion of Women in Agriculture Development (WIAD) programme.

Addressing stakeholders at the event, Nane Annan lauded the efforts of B-Bovid as well as other local OFSP breeders involved in the promotion campaign, and pledged continued support for the initiative.

Over 50% of Ghanaian children suffer from Vitamin A deficiency.

The Sweet Potato for Profit and Health initiative by the International Potato Center (CIP) to promote the orange-fleshed sweet potato, targets half a million households in Ghana by 2020.

About B-Bovid

B-BOVID, is a Ghanaian agricultural business based at Pretsir in the Ahanta West District of the Western Region, which promotes sound agricultural practices and ecological farming, and offers training to farmers on variety of improved agricultural methods.

It also organizes community outreach programmes to encourage small holder farmers to adopt modern technology, promotes healthy lifestyles and nutrition, and educates farming communities on the impact of climate change and land degradation.

Currently, the World Bank has selected B-BOVID as one of the model farms in the country to be promoted as the ideal farming model that other farmers could tap in to empower themselves and change their fortunes.

B-BOVID wins prestigious UN award

B-BOVID’s model has received several commendations from several high ranking officials and global organisations including the United Nations (UN).

In 2012, B-BOVID, won the UN’s Social Investment Pioneer Award along with nine other businesses from around the world.

The awards were given in recognition of the companies’ outstanding contributions to local community development.

The awards are the initiative of the Principles for Social Investment Secretariat and the United Nations Global Compact.
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By: Lord Kweku Sekyi/Freelancer/Ghana

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In a statement, the chairman of the Kofi Annan Foundation and Nobel Laureate congratulated Nana Addo on his win in the presidential polls.

[contextly_sidebar id=”jVNqOs455fhzjN2ySfRajdhk50XC8q6z”]He also praised the incumbent, President John Dramani Mahama for conceding defeat.

“Mr. Akufo-Addo will be taking over at a time of economic difficulties but he has the skills and experience to help the country face up to this challenge,” Mr. Annan said in a congratulatory message to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer.

Mr. Annan congratulated Nana Akufo-Addo on his electoral victory, and the people of Ghana for the way they handled a tense election saying, “I congratulate our new president-elect wholeheartedly, and I also commend President Mahama for graciously conceding defeat.”

Nana Akufo-Addo was declared him the winner of Ghana’s seventh general elections making him the fifth president of Ghana’s fourth republic.

The NPP Flagbearer finally secured the presidency at the third time of asking beating President John Mahama who became the first incumbent to lose a presidential election since Ghana returned to a multi-party democracy in 1992.

The Electoral Commission (EC) declared him the winner, with 53.85 percent of the votes, while President Mahama took 44.40 percent of the votes.

Annan also praised the people and authorities of Ghana for ensuring a peaceful campaign and for their calm while awaiting the announcement of the results by the Electoral Commission.

“The people of Ghana have proved worthy of our democratic tradition” he stated noting that national and international observers called the elections free and fair.

Mr Annan further stated that at a time when democratic traditions are being challenged in some countries in Africa and beyond, a peaceful transition of political power in Ghana “makes me feel proud to be a Ghanaian.”

‘I won’t let you down’

In his first speech on Friday after a declaration of the results by Mrs. Charlotte Osei, Nana Addo said the victory was one of the most humbling moments of his life and promised to not let Ghanaians down.

“There has never been a more humbling moment in my life and I thank you the good people of Ghana for this massive show of support and the confidence you have reposed in men and my party,” Nana Addo said.

“I make this solemn pledge to you tonight and will not let you down. I will do all in my power to live up to your hope sand expectations.”

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By: Delali Adogla-Bessa & Edwin Kwakofi/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Nana Addo has skills to overcome country’s challenges – Kofi Annan appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

According to him, “there is no reason for incitement.”

EC conducted good election

Kofi Annan in a statement also congratulated the Electoral Commission and its staff for “conducting a good election on 7 December, worthy of our democratic tradition.”

“I also applaud the support and the diligence of the electoral observers– national and international,”he added.

According to him, “ the people of Ghana are waiting and watching, let’s not disappoint them.”

Kofi Annan further congratulated the five candidates who had already conceded defeat “in light of the preliminary results and clear trends.”

“In the spirit of democracy, I call on the losers to concede as quickly as possible to defuse tensions and allay uncertainties,” he added.

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By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @EfeAnsah

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