By Dennis Peprah
Sunyani, (Bono), May 25, GNA – As Africa celebrates the African Union (AU) Day today, the Global Media Foundation (GloMeF) has urged governments to pool resources together and to tackle the growing menace of corruption on the continent.
The Foundation said corruption remains the bane of Africa’s development.
GloMeF, is a Sunyani-based human rights, anti-corruption and media advocacy Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO).
Celebrated on May 25 annually, the AU Day commemorates the founding of the Organization of African Unity, now AU, instituted in 1963 and serves as a continent-wide celebration of African unity, cultural diversity, and shared history.
In a statement issued to mark the Day, the Foundation stated that though Africa was blessed with abundant natural resources, and a vibrant youthful population, millions of her population continued to suffer from abject poverty, poor healthcare systems, insecurity and high unemployment.
A copy of the statement, signed by Mr Raphael Godlove Ahenu, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of GloMeF and made available to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani, called on Africa leaders to move beyond rhetoric and strengthen anti-corruption institutions, ensuring transparency and accountability in government.
It said Africa leaders must create sustainable job opportunities by investing in youth empowerment initiatives, improve access to education, healthcare, and social protection systems as well as invest heavily in digital innovation, technology, and internet infrastructure.
It called for promotion of peace, security, and human rights across the continent, urging the continent to support agriculture, industrialization, and local entrepreneurship as well as create economic opportunities for the African youth in their homeland and to discourage irregular migration.
The statement indicated that: “We join millions across the continent in reflecting on the dream of a united, prosperous, peaceful, and self-reliant Africa.”
It said that the AU Day ought not only be symbolic but should serve as a wake-up call for the continent’s leaders to take decisive and pragmatic measures to address the enormous challenges confronting the continent.
The statement said corruption, bad governance, weak institutions, and lack of accountability continue to drain Africa’s resources and deprive her citizens of the deserving development and prosperity.
According to the statement, reports indicated that about 429 million Africans were living in extreme poverty in 2024, representing nearly one-third of Africa’s population.
Despite Africa’s growing population and economic potential, millions of young people remain unemployed and hopeless about the future.
According to recent reports (MOHAC Africa), about 23.6 million young Africans between the ages of 15 and 35 were officially unemployed in 2024, with the number projected to increase significantly by 2030.
It noted that the youth unemployment crisis remained one of the greatest threats to peace and security, saying that: “Africa is also facing a widening digital divide that continues to exclude millions from participating in the modern digital economy.
Recent studies (afrobarometer) show that only about 42 per cent of Africans have the necessary access to devices, electricity, and internet connectivity needed to effectively participate in the digital economy, while 31 per cent use the internet daily.
Also, only 1.2 per cent of Africans presently access 5G networks, highlighting the severe technological inequality facing the continent.
The statement also expressed concern about the growing migration crisis, saying that thousands of Africans continue to embark on dangerous irregular migration across the deserts and high seas in search of better opportunities abroad.
That is basically due to high unemployment, poverty, insecurity, and conflict.
Reports from migration agencies (guardian.migration) showed that Africa continued to record tragic deaths of her migrants along dangerous routes to Europe and the Middle East.
The statement therefore called on African leaders to move beyond political rhetoric and promises and implement realistic measures that would improve the quality of life of the people.
“Africa can’t achieve the aspirations of Agenda 2063 while corruption, poverty, unemployment, and inequality continue to rise,” it stated, adding that the continent’s future depended largely on visionary leadership, responsible governance, and policies that prioritized the welfare of Africa citizens.
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: Dennis Peprah