Ghanaian author Akosua Bame criticized Africa’s management of its resources, highlighting how the continent remains impoverished despite its wealth. Speaking at a public lecture titled “Looking Beyond the Fourth Republic Towards Nation-Building,” Bame emphasized that Africa’s failure to strategize internally has allowed foreign nations to exploit its resources at minimal costs.
“Every nation outside Africa is strategizing about Africa’s resources; America, China, France, Germany, India, and Russia, to name but a few. Only African countries are failing to strategize internally about their resources,” Bame said. She pointed out that former colonial powers often feel entitled to secure African resources at the lowest possible price, a practice that contradicts basic economic theories of scarcity and demand-supply dynamics.
Bame lamented that Africa, despite its abundant resources, remains the world’s poorest continent due to poor resource management and leadership. According to the UN Environment Programme, Africa holds 30% of the world’s mineral reserves, 8% of natural gas, and 12% of oil reserves. The continent also possesses 40% of the world’s gold and up to 90% of its chromium and platinum.
Africa is home to the largest reserves of cobalt, diamonds, platinum, and uranium globally. It also boasts 65% of the world’s arable land and 10% of the planet’s internal renewable freshwater sources. Yet, these riches have not translated into widespread prosperity for its people.
Bame’s comments come amid ongoing discussions about how Africa can better leverage its resources for development. She urged African nations to adopt strategic approaches to resource management to break the cycle of poverty and dependency. This, she argued, is crucial for nation-building and achieving economic independence.
Bame’s lecture was part of a broader dialogue on how African countries can overcome historical and structural challenges to achieve sustainable development. The focus on resource management is particularly pertinent given the continent’s vast untapped potential.
In related news, GhanaWeb TV’s latest edition of The Lowdown features MP for Mpraeso, Davis Ansah Opoku, discussing the E-Levy, the Saglemi Housing Controversy, and the OSP Impeachment. GhanaWeb, in collaboration with the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, is also campaigning for comprehensive legislation on organ harvesting, donation, and transplantation in Ghana. This initiative aims to address critical healthcare challenges and improve medical outcomes for Ghanaians.
Bame’s lecture and the ongoing discussions underscore the need for Africa to take control of its resources and chart a path towards sustainable development. By doing so, the continent can transform its wealth into tangible benefits for its people, breaking free from the cycle of exploitation and poverty.
Source: Ghana Web
