The Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has urged African leaders to work to improve the unfavorable image that has been attached to the African continent in order to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), which is essential to the region's growth.
He claimed that the word "Africa elicited pictures of civil instability, corruption, conflict, poverty, illnesses, and rising societal issues in many regions of the world, a notion that discouraged FDI.
"Our leaders now should have the courage and the willingness to change, and we will need to do something about this negative perception to attract FDI," the official added.
Speaking to attendees at a reception in his honor given at Essex Country College (ECC)'s Newark campus, professors and educational leaders On Friday, the Okyenhene made the following remarks in New Jersey, USA: "Leadership would do well to remember that there are other emerging countries where it is far simpler to achieve comparably attractive returns with significantly less effort."
Despite being the largest continent on earth and having a wealth of diverse cultures, he stated, "Africa has earned the enviable position of being the headquarters of poverty."
Reception
The Okyenhene was welcomed to the vibrant event by Ras Baraka, the mayor of Newark; Dr. Augustine A. Boakye, the president of ECC; and Dr. Akil Khalfani, the director of the college's Africana Institute and Sociology Department. The Okyenhene was also joined by his wife, Nana Asabea Ofori-Atta.
The institution has housed two notable Ghanaian leaders, including the Okyenhene. In 2001, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, spoke to faculty members and students at the college's African Institute launch.
We must adapt.
Amos Osagyefuo Ofori Panin stated that Africa could not continue to be plagued by ingrained negative perceptions, which he referred to as "status quo paralysis," by continuing to act in the same way while expecting different outcomes.
He believed that life was not supposed to be this boring, never-ending cycle of poverty, suffering, and pessimism that was constantly evident in many regions of the continent.
"We need to adapt."
This mentality and institutional shift that we want are not for the weak of heart, nor are they for those afraid to confront difficult decisions or give in to their moral convictions.
He remarked, "Leadership should not be terrified of change."
He remembered how the "civilized" world dragged young Africans out of their communities, crammed them onto pitiful slave ships, and sold them into slavery.
He claimed that such dehumanizing trade drained the continent's economic lifeblood via exploitation.
"They promoted conflict, sold dangerous weapons, and used people and nations as pawns in devastating, actual-life war games.
"The victims of these horrible acts have survived, and that is the heritage of the West," he remarked.