Europe's relations with Africa must change, President of Ghana

Africa must change its relations with Europe if it wants to become self-sufficient and exploit rich resources that could transform the continent, said Thursday the President of Ghana.

"Africa and Europe are natural partners … but (it's) a relationship that must be different from what we've had so far," Nana said. Akufo-Addo at the conclusion of an interview with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron.

His remarks were delivered in a speech to 400 representatives of the African diaspora in France gathered at the Elysee Palace in Paris, where the two leaders answered questions from the public.

"These relationships have enriched Europe, but not Africa, so we need to change this dynamic and we can only do it ourselves, by taking the steps that we need for our country. future, "said Akufo-Addo.

"We have to come out of the idea that there is a Santa Claus coming to develop our continent for us – there is no Santa, there is only us. ", did he declare.

"So, Mr. President, we are saying that the time has come for us to take our destiny in hand," he said, speaking directly to Macron.

Former British colony, Ghana does not have the same historical ties with Paris as other former French colonies of West Africa. When Macron visited in November 2017, it was the very first visit of a French president.

Recalling the exiles at home

Since taking office in 2017, Akufo-Addo is committed to encouraging African exiles to return home, especially those in the United States, whom they call the year 2019 "Year of the Year." return".

And the diaspora could play a key role in Africa, as it did in China, whose transformation into a global production center relies heavily on the huge investments of its overseas community, did he declare.

"This development of China has changed the status and position of Chinese people in the world," he said.

Those who led the independence movements that swept through Africa six decades ago realized that this would not only liberate sovereign states, but also lay the foundation for social transformation. and economic.

"It still has not happened," he said.

But with the abundance of natural resources and the youngest population in the world – one in four people under the age of 19 – Africa was in a unique position.

"Once we have found ways to educate this population and give them skills, we are putting Africa on a path to very, very strong economic growth," she said. he declares.