Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku‑Agyemang has urged African governments to shift from aid‑dependent development strategies towards human‑centred, citizen‑focused policies.
Speaking at the 3rd Ghana Civil Society Forum (GCSF) held in Accra on June 25, 2025, the Vice‑President warned that “development financing is not just about money.
It is about power and agency” and called for a radical rethinking of how African economies mobilise and deploy resources.
She emphasized that traditional donor aid is shrinking while public debts rise, and argued for locally grounded, citizen‑driven financing models, including taxation reform, climate finance, diaspora bonds, and sovereign wealth vehicles.
Opoku‑Agyemang highlighted the essential role of civil society, youth groups, women’s associations and local leaders in co‑creating development policies.
She called for a new social contract rooted in shared accountability, civic participation, and decentralized decision‑making.
This vision builds on her administration’s earlier reforms, such as the upcoming Non‑Profit Bill, the establishment of institutional dialogue platforms, and support for local philanthropy and civic initiatives.
Professor Nii Moi Thompson, Chair of the National Development Planning Commission, echoed these views, urging civil society organisations to embrace internal transparency and efficiency while leveraging digital innovations and impact investment to create sustainable financing ecosystems.
Amid declining donor support and mounting economic pressures, many African countries must rethink their development strategies.
Shifting toward domestically driven, people-centered financing offers a more sustainable path forward.
By placing ordinary citizens, particularly youth and women at the heart of policy design and implementation, governments can foster greater social inclusion, accountability, and resilience.
This approach also reinforces the broader objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which promotes regional integration grounded in human rights and equitable growth.
Source: Myxyzonline.com
