Accra, Nov. 27, GNA – A former Ghana Ambassador to China, Mr Edward Akwasi Boateng, has urged African leaders to prioritise infrastructure development and innovation that help to lift millions of citizens out of poverty.
He made the call when he spoke for the proposition during a debate at The Oxford Union, University of Oxford, on the motion: “This House Would Rather Be ‘Built’ by China Than ‘Blessed’ by America.”
The forum brought together more than 200 members and guests.
Founded in 1823, The Oxford Union is one of the world’s renowned debating chambers, noted for hosting global leaders, diplomats, academics and public figures on issues of international relevance.
Mr Boateng said Africa’s development outlook required practical, people-centred interventions that addressed basic needs such as functioning clinics, reliable power, decent roads and access to markets.
Millions of Africans, he noted, continued to live on less than one dollar a day, noting that China had, however, lifted nearly 800 million people out of poverty in five decades through deliberate planning, discipline and sustained execution.
Drawing from his years of diplomatic service in Beijing, Mr Boateng said China’s development approach was built on modesty, self-criticism and determination.
He added that its disciplined and planned execution provided useful lessons for Africa’s own development trajectory.
“My vision is that we can also lift 800 million of our people out of poverty. You do that by building the right infrastructure and the right frame of mind,” he emphasised.
“The question before us is not about East or West; it is about the mothers who want clinics that work, young people who need jobs, farmers who need access to markets and communities who deserve dignity through development.”
Arguing in favour of the proposition, Mr Boateng said China’s development model had shown visible and immediate impact in many countries, pointing to roads, bridges, factories and other infrastructure that created jobs and opened economic opportunities.
He explained that Africa did not seek new masters but needed partnerships that aligned with national aspirations, respected sovereignty and supported long-term development.
“A country cannot lecture its way out of poverty; it must build its way out of poverty. Our people need roads, power, hospitals, rail lines and industries,” he said.
The former Director-General of the State Interests and Governance Authority said African economies could not afford delays, emphasising that development choices must be guided by the urgency of citizens’ needs.
Other speakers for the proposition were Professor Danny Quah, Li Ka Shing Professor in Economics at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, and journalist Martin Jacques, author of When China Rules the World.
Those who spoke for the opposition included Chris Christie, Governor of New Jersey and United States Republican Presidential Candidate, and Fidelis Leite Magalhães, Senior Minister and Minister of Parliamentary Reform of Timor-Leste.
As part of his two-day visit to Oxford, Mr Boateng hosted members of the Oxford Ghana Society (in formation) and some African students for a brunch and fireside conversation.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey