The divisions created between African countries by the Berlin Conference have made them unable to develop at an optimal speed and create the kind of prosperity needed for their people.
This assessment was made in a reflection on Africa’s development trajectory and the need for closer continental integration.
The Berlin Conference, held in 1884-1885, saw European powers partition Africa without regard for existing ethnic, cultural, or political boundaries, creating divisions that have persisted into the post-independence era.
President John Dramani Mahama stated this during bilateral talks with President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia at the State House in Lusaka.
President Mahama said today we can understand that we need to forge even closer links, both in terms of continental bodies and through strengthened bilateral relations between countries.
He stated that Ghana will be celebrating 70 years of independence next year, and as the first sub-Saharan African country to become independent, looking at the trajectory the African continent is taking, the divisions have had lasting impacts on development.
President Mahama said he and President Hichilema agreed that they should strengthen bilateral relations even more across regions. He stated that while countries cooperate at the continental level, bilateral relations between countries can make a very big difference.
He stated that Ghana and Zambia are on the same economic trajectory, having both gone into debt restructuring negotiations with official creditor committees and implementing economic reforms to establish fiscal consolidation. President Mahama said there is a lot both countries can learn from each other and many experiences they can share.
He noted that relations between Ghana and Zambia have been historic, based on early relations between Presidents Kaunda and Nkrumah who were friends and comrades in the African liberation struggle.
President Mahama stated that Ghana virtually became the headquarters for all freedom fighters after President Nkrumah declared Ghana’s independence was meaningless unless linked with the total liberation of the African continent.
He said the forebears fought the battle of liberation from colonial domination and called for Africa to come as a united continent instead of different countries, a vision that is more relevant today.
President Mahama stated that even though Ghana and Zambia have the Permanent Joint Commission, they must enhance the relationship to a new level to allow them to share best practices, have consistent dialogue, and have direct experiences in all sectors.
He said they must go beyond political dialogue to economic consolidation and bilateral economic relations between the two countries
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
