According to him, no western power can solve the continent’s problems “except Africans themselves.”

“It should not require emphasizing that no one is going to sort out matters for Africa, except Africans themselves. We must match those who come to do business with us, in all the skills they possess. We must have our own set of bright and sharp lawyers, our own set of bright and sharp accountants, to keep us abreast with the sharp and bright lawyers and accountants that our trade partners have. In much the same way, we need to have our own bright and sharp technologists to keep us abreast with our competitors.”

[contextly_sidebar id=”XdkvCdg3laPNBPMWVVE3qpKIjLe2qFjQ”]Speaking at a public forum in Abuja, Nigeria, organized by the Kukah Centre President Akufo-Addo lamented how Africa with all its rich human and mineral resources is unable to make live better for its citizens

“We have the most spectacular natural surroundings, grandest rivers and mountains, we have minerals that the world would kill for.”

President Akufo-Addo urged his African leaders to formulate policies and programmes that will make it possible for African countries to trade among themselves without restrictions.

“In 2000, intra-regional trade accounted for 10% of Africa’s total trade, and increased marginally to 11% in 2015. Trading amongst members of the European Union, for example, amounted to 70% in 2015. I believe it is extremely important for the welfare of the 1.2 billion people of the continent that we, the leaders, demonstrate strong political will to make the African Union an economic and political success, and to make the project of integration real.”

The Kukah Center

The Kukah Centre (TKC) is a Nigeria-based policy research institute, founded by Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto.

The Centre has offices in Abuja and Kaduna, and treats political leadership as a collaborative exercise that requires multiple governance structures at various levels – individuals, households, small businesses, the organized private sector, NGOs and government.

Interfaith dialogue is at the core of the Centre’s work and involves actively promoting conversations among Nigeria’s faith communities, as well as between leaders in faith and public policy.

The Kukah Centre aspires to become Nigeria’s leading institution for the promotion of an active and engaged citizenry by providing support for inclusive dialogue and advocacy initiatives.

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By: Sammi Wiafe/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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