My keynote address at the Ishmael Yamson & Associates Business Roundtable on the theme “unlocking the next quarter century: harnessing Africa’s digital infrastructure, trade & integration, energy & industry, governance, and societal development for global relevance”
1. Thank you very much for the warm welcome. Let me congratulate Ishmael Yamson & Associates for twelve years of consistency and intellectual leadership on this important platform.
2. I am pleased to join this distinguished gathering at a moment of profound consequence for Ghana, Africa, and for the future of emerging economies within a rapidly changing global order.
3. Over the past twenty-five years, Africa has not stood still. Across the continent, we have expanded infrastructure, deepened digital connectivity, strengthened institutions, educated more of our people, and created one of the most dynamic consumer and enterprise markets in the world.
4. Yet, we must also confront the reality that this progress has not sufficiently translated into transformation.
5. Africa still stands at a defining historical crossroad.
6. For centuries, we supplied the world with raw materials, labour, and strategic resources. However, we captured only a fraction of the value created from them.
7. Today, the pattern risks repeating itself in a new form. Our raw materials still leave. Increasingly, our data leaves.
8. The tragedy of Africa’s economic history, therefore, is not the absence of resources. It has been the persistent export of value and the import of dependency.
9. But this history is not our destiny. We must change the narrative.
10. The next quarter of a century presents Africa with perhaps its greatest opportunity since political independence.
11. The defining question before this generation for the next quarter of a century is this: will Africa finally become a production and value addition force within the world economy?
Ladies and Gentlemen,
12. Africa is entering this new era with extraordinary strategic advantages.
13. Our continent is home to more than 1.4 billion people, with one of the youngest populations in the world. The African Continental Free Trade Area creates a combined market exceeding US$3.4 trillion, making it the largest free trade area in the world.
14. And yet intra-African trade still accounts for only about 15 percent of Africa’s total trade, compared to nearly 70 percent within Europe and over 50 percent in Asia.
15. That statistic alone should provoke urgency reflections. Why should it take longer and cost more to move goods from one African border to another than across oceans?
Ladies and Gentlemen,
16. The next phase of Africa’s rise will be driven by infrastructure.
i. Commercial Agriculture infrastructure;
ii. Energy infrastructure;
iii. Transport and logistics infrastructure;
iv. Digital infrastructure;
v. financial infrastructure; and
vi. Human capital infrastructure.
17. Without these, integration will remain a dream.
18. Today, the global economy is increasingly digital. Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, fintech, digital payments, e-commerce, and data governance are reshaping competitiveness.
19. The nations that control data infrastructure and digital ecosystems will shape the future global economy.
20. Africa cannot afford to become just a consumer in the digital age. We must ask ourselves:
i. Who owns Africa’s digital rails?
ii. Who stores Africa’s data?
iii. Who finances Africa’s fibre backbone?
iv. Who controls Africa’s payment systems?
21. These questions transcend technology. They are economic transformation and sovereignty questions.
22. Africa requires a continental digital strategy that supports:
i. regional data centres and cloud infrastructure;
ii. Affordable broadband expansion;
iii. Cross-border digital payments systems;
iv. Cybersecurity and digital trust;
v. AI readiness; and
vi. Digital skills for millions of young Africans
Paid a courtesy call on His Royal Majesty, the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, to seek his blessings and share updates on our national sports agenda.
We had a meaningful conversation on the role of sports in uniting our people and creating opportunities for the youth. I also briefed him on the Black Stars’ qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and our preparations to host major continental events here in Accra.
I am grateful for his wise counsel, prayers, and continued support for Ghana sports. Together, we will keep building a system that inspires pride and brings our people together.
I had the pleasure of welcoming our new Black Stars Head Coach, Carlos Queiroz, who paid a courtesy call at the Ministry ahead of his official unveiling.
It was a good moment to connect, share perspectives, and formally introduce him to the staff as he begins this important journey with Ghana football.
We wish him well and assure him of our full support as we work together to build a strong, disciplined and competitive Black Stars that makes the nation proud.
I paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II at the Ga Mantse Palace, strengthening the bond between traditional leadership and national institutions in promoting sports and culture.
I shared updates on Ghana’s 2026 World Cup qualification and upcoming sporting events in Accra. The Ga Mantse emphasized unity, discipline, and pride in our national colours.
The visit highlighted the importance of working together to develop sports and empower the youth
Congrats to Legacy Rise Sports for raising the bar with “The Rise Continues.”
This is the standard we are driving, professional, safe and globally competitive boxing in Ghana. 🥊
Yesterday, Ghana came together as one for our Black Stars. From Corporate Ghana to the football family, supporters, creatives and the wider public, the show of belief was deeply appreciated.
When I assumed office, one of my key priorities was clear. To rebuild trust in our sports ecosystem and bring Corporate Ghana closer by demonstrating accountability, transparency and fiscal discipline. These principles are anchored firmly in the vision and Reset Agenda of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, whose leadership continues to guide this transformation.
Yesterday’s response is a strong endorsement of that direction.
I extend my sincere appreciation to His Excellency the President for his leadership, and to the Deputy Minister for Finance for chairing the fundraising committee with diligence and commitment. To Corporate Ghana, our partners, and every Ghanaian who has contributed or shown support, we are grateful.
Let me assure the nation that every cedi and dollar raised will be accounted for with the highest level of integrity.
This is our Black Stars. This journey belongs to all of us.
I encourage every Ghanaian to be part of this movement. Dial *899# or visit https://t.co/ZG7LRNH8qZ and join us as we support our team on the road to the FIFA World Cup.
Together, we will carry the spirit of Ghana onto the global stage.
Yesterday, we took an important step in bringing the Ghanaian people closer to the journey of the Black Stars.
The World Cup Raffle Initiative is not just about the opportunity to travel and support the team on the global stage. It is about giving every Ghanaian a sense of belonging in this journey, a chance to be part of something that unites us all.
Football has always brought us together in moments of pride, reflection, and hope. As we prepare for the FIFA World Cup 2026, it is important that this journey is shared, not only by the players on the pitch, but by the millions of Ghanaians who believe in them.
We are mindful of the need for transparency, accountability and trust. That is why this initiative has been structured with clear oversight and processes to ensure that every commitment made is honoured.
Beyond the excitement, this initiative also contributes to a broader vision. Through the Ghana Sports Fund, we are building a sustainable pathway to support infrastructure, develop talent and strengthen grassroots sports across the country.
This is a collective effort.
The Black Stars carry the flag, but the nation carries the spirit.
Let us move forward together.
I had the honour of receiving the Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Christian Tetteh Yohonu, who paid a courtesy call at the Ministry of Sports and Recreation this afternoon.
Our discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between the Ghana Police Service and the sports sector, particularly in ensuring safety and security across our sporting activities. I commended the Police Service for the professionalism and dedication shown by the Sports Police Units in providing improved security at league venues across the country.
We also reflected on the impressive performance of the Police Ladies Football Club, whose achievements continue to project Ghana positively on the continental stage.
Beyond competition, we explored opportunities to deepen cooperation in sports infrastructure and recreational development, recognising the role of sports in promoting discipline, health and national unity.
I am grateful to the IGP for the visit and for the continued support of the Ghana Police Service in strengthening sports and recreation in our country.
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South Africa Awaits
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! 🇬🇭⚽️
On behalf of the Government of Ghana and the good people of our nation, congratulations to the @GhanaBlackstars on qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
You have made Ghana proud. AYEKOO!
#BlackStars#FIFAWorldCup