Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged African leaders to prioritize the strengthening of democratic institutions and good governance as the foundation for sustainable growth on the continent.
He made the call while delivering the keynote address at the Strategic Meeting of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung’s (KAS) African Team and its political partners, held at the Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel in Accra on Wednesday September 10.
The gathering brought together policymakers, political leaders, academics, and civil society organizations from across Africa, creating a platform to deliberate on the continent’s governance challenges, democratic progress, and future partnerships.
In his address, the former President emphasized that Africa’s path to development cannot rely solely on natural resources, but must be anchored on the rule of law, respect for democratic processes, and accountable leadership.
“Our continent has all the resources necessary for prosperity, but without strong institutions, transparency, and responsible governance, those resources will never translate into real benefits for our people,” he stated.
He stressed the importance of empowering young Africans, noting that the continent’s youthful population must be seen as an asset for innovation, productivity, and leadership renewal. According to him, investments in education, technology, and entrepreneurship remain critical in ensuring that Africa takes advantage of its demographic dividend.
Akufo-Addo commended the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung for its decades of work in Africa, particularly in promoting democratic values, building capacities of political actors, and fostering regional cooperation. He noted that such partnerships are essential to advancing peace, stability, and inclusive development.
“The work of KAS has been instrumental in shaping dialogue around democracy and governance. At a time when parts of Africa are witnessing reversals in democratic gains, your role has become even more critical,” he added.
The meeting also explored pressing issues including:
- The rise of military interventions in parts of West Africa and their implications for regional security.
- The impact of global economic pressures on African democracies.
- Strengthening collaboration between African states and international development partners.
Participants agreed on the urgent need for renewed commitment to constitutional rule, political accountability, and people-centered governance.
Africa Has Two Options To Secure A Better Future- Asantehene
The Strategic Meeting of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung’s African Team and its political partners ended with a call to action for African governments and institutions to safeguard democracy, promote inclusive growth, and empower citizens to actively participate in shaping the continent’s future.
Former President Akufo-Addo’s keynote speech was widely applauded by participants, with many describing it as a timely reminder of Africa’s responsibilities in overcoming its governance and development challenges.
