By Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo, GNA
Tema, Oct. 13, GNA — The Reverend Dr Samuel Worlanyo Mensah, an Economist and Lecturer, has called for stronger African unity and economic integration to help the continent achieve economic emancipation and reduce its dependence on external economies.
Rev Dr Mensah, who is also a politician and Pan-Africanist said growing global uncertainty and geopolitical developments made it necessary for African countries to adopt an integrated development approach that prioritised economic stability, diversification and the value addition of the continent’s natural resources.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), he said Africa needed to move beyond exporting raw materials and invest in systems that would enable countries to process their resources locally, create jobs and retain more economic benefits within the continent.
He stated that stronger collaboration was also required in transportation, including the development of integrated railway networks, improved road links connecting international corridors and greater cooperation among African aviation industries.
He called for measures to improve transport connectivity and make movement across the continent easier for citizens and businesses.
Rev Dr Mensah also stressed the importance of building reliable national databases and strengthening information systems to support planning, track population movements and improve the management of visitors to African countries.
On language and communication, he said proficiency in English and French should go beyond speaking to include reading and writing to facilitate communication and cooperation among citizens across the continent.
He urged African leaders and Pan-Africanists to take practical steps towards continental integration, saying political commitment must be matched by action to advance economic development.
Rev Dr Mensah expressed confidence that President John Dramani Mahama could contribute to advancing the African unity agenda if entrusted with a leadership role in the continental effort.
He said the Ghanaian President had demonstrated leadership qualities that, in his view, could help mobilise support for the Pan-African vision.
“Africa must unite as one strong country, with the various countries becoming segments or states,” he said, arguing that deeper political and economic integration could strengthen the continent’s collective capacity to address its development challenges.
Rev Dr Mensah said the continued migration of African youth in search of better opportunities abroad highlighted the need to create an enabling environment for young people to build their futures at home.
He called for greater investment in economic opportunities and the development of local industries to enable African citizens to contribute to the continent’s progress.
He urged Pan-Africanists, leaders and citizens to work together towards economic independence and a development agenda that placed the welfare and aspirations of Africans at its centre.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo, GNA
Email: [email protected]