West African governments have received a vital piece of advice: to rejuvenate their economies, they should focus on internal resources rather than depend heavily on Bretton Woods institutions like the World Bank and IMF. This advice comes from Femi Falana, a prominent Nigerian lawyer and human rights activist. He argues that reliance on these international institutions has rarely resulted in significant economic progress or growth.
Falana, speaking at the West Africa Media Excellence Conference and Awards (WAMECA 2023) in Accra, urged nations like Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire to develop homegrown policies for faster economic development. He commended the Ghanaian government for its inward-looking approach, particularly its recent decision to finance cocoa bean purchases through local borrowing.
According to a report by the Daily Graphic, Falana also called on journalists to broaden their focus beyond politics and examine the economic policies of regional governments. He believes such scrutiny is crucial as current policies continue to exacerbate poverty in the sub-region.
WAMECA, hosted by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), marks its seventh edition this year. The theme for 2023 was “Media & Democracy in Africa.” The event, held from November 9 to 10, concluded with an awards ceremony on November 11. It celebrated journalistic excellence in West Africa, with four Ghanaian and two Nigerian journalists winning awards from 17 finalists. Muhammed Akinyemi from HumAngle Nigeria, was named West African Journalist of the Year.
The event, which received 855 entries from 15 West African countries, highlighted the critical role of journalism in the region.
Sulemana Braimah, Executive Director of MFWA, expressed concerns over the democratic recession in West Africa. The region has witnessed military takeovers in four countries in recent years, alongside increasing repression and shrinking civil liberties.
Emily Fertik, Public Affairs Counsellor at the US Embassy in Ghana, emphasized the essential role of a vibrant media in maintaining strong democracies. She highlighted the embassy’s commitment to supporting Ghanaian journalists, especially as both Ghana and the United States approach their general elections in 2024.
Fatimatu Abubakar, Deputy Minister of Information, also recognized the media’s crucial role in shaping public opinion and fostering civic engagement. She noted the transition of many African countries from autocratic rule to more participatory and representative governance.
In summary, the call for West African nations to adopt self-reliant economic strategies represents a significant shift in regional development. Coupled with the media’s evolving role in democratic processes, these developments point to a transformative period in West Africa’s political and economic landscape.
