Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, critiqued Western nations for prioritizing military spending over development, particularly emphasizing the $380 billion spent on the Ukraine war. He argued for renewed focus on Africa’s infrastructure needs and accountability in global governance, lamenting a breakdown of trust between Africa and the West. Ablakwa also highlighted external threats and the need for stronger African leadership to counter exploitation.
On March 18, Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, criticized Western nations for prioritizing military expenditures over developmental needs during a speech at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi. He asserted that the focus has shifted away from achieving the G20 goals toward funding conflicts, particularly noting that the West has spent $380 billion on the Ukraine war over the past three years, funds he insists could address Africa’s infrastructure crisis.
Ablakwa expressed deep concern over the shifting financial priorities, stating that the G20 was originally intended to promote industrialization, economic growth, and trade expansion. However, he lamented that significant resources are being diverted from international development to fund the ongoing war in Ukraine, causing a degradation of trust between Africa and Western entities, including the US and the UN.
Moreover, Ablakwa underscored the necessity for Africa to assume a more prominent leadership role, acknowledging a leadership void in the current global landscape. He pointed out that since the Cold War, countries such as South Africa have worked alongside India to promote non-alignment, advocating for unity over conflict.
Addressing external threats that compromise African stability, Ablakwa indicated that certain global actors exploit Africa’s divisions through a divide-and-rule strategy, targeting the continent’s rich resources, including uranium, gold, diamonds, bauxite, and timber. He cautioned African nations to strategize effectively to safeguard themselves against these threats, referencing a historical context that includes slavery and colonialism as sources of vulnerability, while acknowledging the persistence of neo-colonial actors striving to undermine African unity.
In conclusion, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa’s remarks highlight a significant critique of Western priorities, indicating a detrimental shift of financial resources from development to military engagements. His call for stronger African leadership and unity against external exploitation underscores the urgency of addressing both historical and contemporary challenges. The implications of shifting global leadership dynamics further accentuate the need for trust and collaboration between Africa and Western nations.
Original Source: www.firstpost.com
