By Ernest Nutsugah
Accra, Jan 26, GNA – Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, the Deputy Chief of Staffl, has urged African nations to use available resources efficiently to create wealth and improve the economic fortunes of the continent.
In a speech read on her behalf by Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, Shamima Muslim, at The Regal Influence Summit, organised by KRIF Foundation in Accra, she noted that Africa must rely on its own potentials as global aid and support continued to shrink.
She highlighted inclusive political leadership, fair and open economic systems, and “the courage to change” as the foundations of strong nations.
“Countries grow when power is shared, voices are heard, and leaders are accountable to the people…People invest and work hard when they know their efforts will be rewarded,” she added.
“Progress often requires letting go of old systems to make room for new ideas. This is how nations move forward.”
Madam Bampoe-Addo observed that Africa’s challenge was not a lack of ideas but how to put principles into action, consistently and boldly.
“Africa is not poor. Africa is rich in land, people, culture, ideas, and energy. What we must improve is how we use what we have…,” she said.
“We must move from exporting raw materials to owning value chains…The wealth beneath our soil must build wealth above the ground.”
The Deputy Chief of Staff cited fiscal discipline, support for local cocoa producers, the Ghana Gold Board, and related strategic initiatives the government was embarking on to stabilise the economy and improve livelihoods.
She encouraged policy makers, businesses and stakeholders to take advantage of initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which had the potential to boost economic activities across borders.
“The concept of AfCTA is continuous reminder that we must trade more with each other, produce more for each other, and explore borderless trade in the movement of people and goods,” she said.
Madam Bampoe Addo emphasised investment in digital infrastructure and technology, support for African innovators, industralisation, as some practical steps required to turn vision into reality.
“Digital systems can reduce corruption and build trust, tech startups must be supported with incentives and access to capital, regional value chains will create jobs and keep wealth in Africa. Education must focus on science, technology, and critical thinking,” she said.
Rev Kennedy Okusun, the Executive Chairman, KRIF Ghana Limited, described the forum as a “strategic convening of power, conscience, and legacy,” and urged stakeholders to move from rhetoric to responsibility, and from personal success to leaving continental legacy.
“If Africa is to rise, it will not be because of speeches alone, but because those who command influence chose to shape nations deliberately,” he noted.
Dr Doliwura Awushi Abdul-Malik Seidu Zakaria, Managing Director, National Investment Bank, said the summit was a call on leaders to use their influence to achieve unity, growth and progress of the continent.
“If we lead by humility, guided by the golden rule, our influence will transcend institutions, uplift society and help shape our nation,” he stated.
Dr Zakaria commended the government, management, staff and stakeholders for supporting the banks operations, stressing that the institution was ready to support projects that create jobs, expand industries, strengthen economies, and empower local and international communities.
The forum brought together government representatives, policymakers, finance executives, and business leaders, on the theme: “Commanding Influence, Shaping Nations.”
Discussions focused on gender and development, banking, finance and investment, Pan-Africanism and entrepreneurship.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe