Omane Boamah rallies global partners to help build

Ghana’s Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, spoke at the Futures Forum. This event took place at the London School of Economics (LSE). He urged Africa’s youth, leaders, and partners to unite for progress.

Dr. Boamah is an alumnus of LSE. His presentation was described as “exciting and intellectually rigorous.” He emphasized Africa's role in reshaping global security and economics.

“Africa stands at a defining crossroads,” he stated. “This is not a crisis but a possibility.” He stressed that Africa must actively shape its future.

He highlighted the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as vital for prosperity. These frameworks should be fully implemented, not just left on paper.

Dr. Boamah called for investment in technology and digital skills. This preparation is essential for Africa’s youth in a changing economy. He mentioned Ghana’s One Million Coders’ Programme as an example.

This initiative aims to equip young Ghanaians with digital skills in various fields. These include Artificial Intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, data protection, and software engineering.

“Let us imagine an Africa where young people walk freely into inspiring classrooms,” he said.

He also urged African governments to align budgets with citizens' needs. Education and healthcare should be seen as investments in peace and human capital.

Dr. Boamah challenged international partners to rethink their roles. They should act as co-creators of transformative change rather than just donors.

“Let us create systems where communities shape their own security,” he noted. This aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 16 on peace and justice.

He concluded by calling for continental unity and solidarity among Africans. “Africa must unite,” he affirmed, emphasizing the need for African-led solutions to global challenges.

The address received praise from faculty, students, and development partners alike. Many commended Dr. Boamah for his bold vision and clarity of purpose.

His former lecturer, Lucy, expressed pride in his achievements and growth.