Former President Akufo-Addo
Former President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has urged Nigeria to take a leading role in driving Africa’s economic integration, emphasizing the need for bold leadership and concrete action for Africa to assert itself on the global stage.
Speaking at an event hosted by the IBB Presidential Foundation in Abuja, Nigeria, on Thursday, February 20, 2025, Akufo-Addo underscored Nigeria’s strategic position in shaping Africa’s economic future.
“Nigeria, with its enormous economic and human potential, must play a leading role in shaping Africa’s economic trajectory. We must move beyond rhetoric and translate our ambitions for integration into tangible actions,” he stated.
The former ECOWAS Chair highlighted that Nigeria’s vast resources and regional influence position it as a key driver of Africa’s economic transformation.
He stressed that if the continent is to break free from dependency on foreign aid and prioritize self-sufficiency, Nigeria must play a central role.
“Our generation must develop the tools to resolve the tensions that exist between governance, economic development, and social stability,” he noted.
On governance, Akufo-Addo reaffirmed his strong belief in democracy, citing Ghana’s track record of peaceful democratic transitions over the past three decades.
He acknowledged former Nigerian military leader General Ibrahim Babangida for ultimately embracing democratic governance despite his military background.
“The fundamental question remains; Who confers legitimacy on a government? Is it an enlightened elite, or is it the ordinary people expressing their will freely?” he asked.
Expressing confidence in Africa’s democratic evolution, the former President urged nations to strengthen their institutions while championing economic self-reliance.
He concluded by calling for deeper collaboration between Ghana and Nigeria, positioning their partnership as a cornerstone of Africa’s pursuit of economic independence and sustainable development.