Ghana’s Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa criticized the West for prioritizing military funding over African development during a recent speech. He highlighted the substantial financial support for the Ukraine war at the expense of African infrastructure needs, noting a breakdown of trust between African nations and Western powers. Ablakwa also urged for stronger African leadership in the face of external threats and exploitation of resources.
On March 18, Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, criticized Western countries for prioritizing military expenditures over developmental efforts during his address at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi. He emphasized that the current focus on war, particularly the $380 billion spent on the Ukraine conflict in the past three years, diverts crucial funds that could address Africa’s pressing infrastructure needs.
Ablakwa expressed concern that the objectives of the G20 have shifted from fostering industrialization and economic growth to financing wars. He stated that this shift has resulted in a significant erosion of trust between African nations and the West, including Europe, the United States, and the United Nations, where he noted that veto powers are often misused.
He further lamented a lack of effective leadership, asserting that a vacuum exists in global leadership that undermines progress for African nations. He praised countries such as South Africa and India for advocating non-alignment since the Cold War, and urged unity rather than conflict, stating that there are no real winners in warfare.
Touching upon external threats facing Africa, Ablakwa warned that various actors exploit the continent’s divisions and resources, using a divide and conquer strategy. He highlighted the importance of safeguarding Africa’s resources from exploitation, citing historical contexts from slavery to colonialism. He concluded by asserting that certain “neo-colonial actors” remain intent on dividing African nations to maintain control over valuable resources such as uranium and gold.
In summary, Ghana’s Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa highlighted the detrimental consequences of Western prioritization of military aid over development assistance, stressing the need for trust and collaboration between Africa and the West. He called for stronger leadership from African nations and emphasized the dangers posed by both external threats and historical exploitation. Ablakwa’s remarks reflect a growing urgency for African nations to unite against external manipulation and focus on their developmental needs.
Original Source: www.firstpost.com
