The Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Mr. Sampson Ahi, has called on Africa to recommit to economic transformation anchored in trade, industrialisation, agribusiness, and innovation, stressing that sustainable development must be grounded in strong moral and ethical values.
He made the call at the 2026 Let Africa Go Conference held on Thursday at the Anagkazo Campus in Akwapim Mampong.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister, Mr. Ahi said the conference provided a timely platform for advancing Africa’s socio-economic renewal, noting that the continent is entering a new era defined by hope, resilience, innovation and self-determination.
He acknowledged that Africa’s narrative has historically been shaped by poverty and underdevelopment, adding that the continent holds enormous potential through its youthful population, natural resources, entrepreneurial spirit, and spiritual heritage.
“The clarion call of ‘Let Africa Go’ is not just spiritual; it is deeply economic and developmental,” he said.
He added that Africans are increasingly taking ownership of their development agenda with solutions tailored to the continent’s realities.
He highlighted the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a transformative mechanism for establishing a unified African market.
He said the initiative holds the potential to unlock economic growth, create jobs, and foster shared prosperity across member states.
Mr. Ahi emphasised that development must not be pursued in isolation from values and called on faith-based organisations to play a more deliberate role in shaping national consciousness, promoting social cohesion and supporting ethical leadership.
“Development without values is not development. It is merely growth, and growth without direction can be as destructive as it is productive,” he said.
The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim, praised the church’s contributions to education and healthcare delivery in Ghana.
He called on faith-based organisations across Africa to actively support holistic development on the continent.
He stressed the importance of investment in human resources and digital technology, and urged unity and collaboration among African nations as prerequisites for continental progress.
Adwoa Koramah Anokye-Gyimah, ISD
