Shehu Sanni Calls out Ghanaian President for Speech on Africa ´Begging´ the West

Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo who urged African countries to stop “begging” from the West in order to earn global respect and change poor perceptions about the continent at the ongoing US-Africa summit in washington, USA, has come under fire from former Nigerian Senator, Shehu Sani.

“If we stop being beggars and spend African money inside the continent, Africa will not need to ask for respect from anyone, we will get the respect we deserve. If we make it prosperous as it should be, respect will follow,” Mr Akufo-Addo said at the opening of the summit.

Ironically, Nana Akufo-Addo’s remarks came on the day that the International Monetary Fund agreed to give Ghana a $3bn loan as the country´s current financial crisis and economic downturn bites deeper.

The irony of his call wasn´t lost on the former Nigerian Senator, Shehu Sani, who took to social media platform, Twitter, to make the observation.

Ghana’s President is collecting IMF loan with the right hand and using the left hand to warn African Governments against begging the west for money.

— Senator Shehu Sani (@ShehuSani) December 14, 2022

The Ghanian economy is at its worst in years as inflation crossed 40% and its currency, cedi, has lost tremendous value in these times. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has been cited as a reason for the downward performance of the West African country´s economy.

According to the IMF Chief of Mission in Ghana, Stephane Roudet, the loan “aims to restore macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability while laying the foundation for stronger and more inclusive growth.”