Former President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, has emphasized the urgent need for African nations to strengthen their institutions in order to overcome corruption, weak governance, and poor public service delivery.
Speaking on Monday at the graduation ceremony of Course 33 of the National Defence College in Abuja, Nigeria, Akufo-Addo identified fragile and opaque institutions, lack of political accountability, and inefficient public services as major impediments to effective governance across the continent.
noted that while Africa faces significant challenges, the continent also possesses the internal capacity to address them—provided there is a deliberate push for institutional reform and stronger mechanisms for accountability.
“Africa can overcome these barriers if we invest in building resilient, credible, and transparent institutions that serve the people rather than political elites,” he stated.
Akufo-Addo warned African leaders against undemocratic practices such as suppressing political opposition, silencing the media, and restricting civil society organizations. According to him, such actions not only undermine democracy but also erode public trust and weaken the institutional checks and balances essential for protecting citizens’ rights.
“The surest path to good governance is to establish strong, transparent institutions that can stand above partisan interests,” he said.
The former Ghanaian leader, known for his democratic credentials and anti-corruption stance during his time in office, urged governments across Africa to prioritize institutional integrity and foster environments where accountability and civic participation are upheld.
