By Michael Pepsin Avorgah, GNA
Aflao (V/R), May 26, GNA-Torgbui Adzongaga Amenya Fiti V, Paramount Chief of the Aflao Traditional Area has called on African leaders to deepen unity and strengthen the continent’s collective voice to enhance its influence in global affairs.
Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, to mark this year’s African Union Day, he called on African leaders to deepen unity and strengthen the continent’s collective voice to enhance its influence in global affairs.
He said the vision of a truly united Africa remained a work in progress and required bold leadership and practical reforms to deliver meaningful impact for citizens.
Torgbui Fiti, also President of the Forum of Kings Africa, noted that while the AU was established to promote integration and cooperation among member states, many Africans were yet to experience the full benefits of that vision, particularly in areas such as free movement, trade and economic independence.
He said a more effective and relevant AU should work towards borderless Africa, where citizens could travel freely across countries without undue restrictions, supported by common systems that enhance mobility and opportunity.
He also stressed the need for stronger economic integration, including the pursuit of a common currency and financial systems that would reduce dependence on external institutions and strengthen intra-African trade.
On resource management, he questioned why African countries, despite being major producers of key commodities such as cocoa and minerals continued to rely on external markets to determine prices in 63 years.
“Africa remains a leading producer of many raw materials, yet the continent has limited control over pricing and value addition. This undermines economic independence and long-term development,” he said.
Beyond structural concerns, broader governance and leadership issues continue to affect public confidence in the AU. There are growing perceptions that some African leaders maintain foreign bank accounts, own businesses outside the continent, and engage in frequent overseas travel, raising concerns about commitment to domestic development and continental priorities.
Observers have also pointed to challenges such as limited enforcement of AU decisions, inconsistencies in governance standards, and concerns about the credibility of some continental processes, including election observation missions.
There are further concerns about the slow pace of implementing key integration policies, including the African Continental Free Trade Area, as well as persistent barriers to intra-African travel and trade.
Economic disparities, youth unemployment, and continued reliance on external support have contributed to perceptions among citizens that the AU has yet to fully deliver on its mandate.
Torgbui Fiti emphasised that addressing these concerns would require stronger political will, transparency, and a renewed commitment by leaders to prioritise the welfare of citizens.
He noted that improving livelihoods and creating opportunities for young people would reduce migration pressures and help build confidence in continental institutions.
The Paramount Chief also highlighted the potential role of traditional authorities in supporting conflict resolution and governance, suggesting that their involvement could complement formal state mechanisms in addressing disputes and promoting peace.
He cited past maritime boundary and oil disputes within the continent as examples where local knowledge and traditional systems could contribute to timely and effective resolutions.
Torgbui Fiti urged African leaders to take decisive steps towards achieving sustainable peace, economic growth, and genuine unity, noting that a stronger and more cohesive AU would enhance Africa’s position in global geopolitics.
“The long-term relevance of the AU would depend on its ability to translate its ideals into practical outcomes that improve the lives of ordinary Africans.”
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Kenneth Odeng Adade