The Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has called on African leaders to be deliberate in transforming politics into a platform for social justice, economic opportunity, and peace.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the African Political Summit in Accra on Tuesday, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang emphasized that politics must serve a higher purpose beyond elections.
“If our politics does not lead to prosperity, then it is nothing more than destruction,” she said, addressing an audience that included delegates from over 40 African and Caribbean nations, heads of state, political leaders, civil society representatives, academics, and international development partners.
The summit, themed "From Politics to Prosperity: Strengthening Inter-Party Collaboration for Africa's Development and Economic Transformation," is a four-day gathering aimed at reimagining the role of political parties across the continent.
Leading the Cameroonian delegation was Hon. Joshua Osih Nambangi of the Social Democratic Front (SDF), joining other party leaders in what organizers hailed as a landmark platform for political dialogue and inter-party cooperation.
Vice President Opoku-Agyemang urged political parties to shift focus from personalities to institutions and to prioritize the long-term future of Africa’s youth over short-term electoral victories.
“We must build strong institutions, not strong individuals,” she added, highlighting the responsibility of political actors to future generations.
The summit also paid tribute to eight Ghanaian military personnel who recently perished in a helicopter crash while on duty. In solidarity messages, several speakers commended Ghana’s resilience and commitment to democratic principles even in the face of national tragedy.
Representatives from South Africa and other participating countries echoed a shared sentiment: that political parties must evolve from mere election machines into visionary custodians of development.
“Political parties should not just campaign for votes; they must be the architects of policy and the gatekeepers of leadership,” one speaker remarked, calling for cross-border platforms for the exchange of ideas and best practices without political rivalry.
The opening day featured thematic plenaries on topics including national development planning, partnerships with academia and think tanks, youth empowerment, electoral systems, and institutional legitimacy.
As the summit enters its second day, organizers promise thought-provoking discussions designed to challenge entrenched mindsets and chart a positive, inclusive path forward for the continent.
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