Akufo-Addo urges Africa to avoid becoming pawn in global power struggles

Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged African nations to resist becoming battlegrounds for global power rivalries, calling instead for unity, strategic action, and stronger sovereignty to drive the continent’s development.

Delivering the keynote address at the Strategic Meeting of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung’s (KAS) African Team and political partners, Akufo-Addo warned that Africa risks being caught in the crossfire of intensifying geopolitical competition if leaders do not act with purpose.

The event, held at the Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel in Accra, brought together KAS representatives from across Africa and senior officials from its Berlin headquarters, including Prof. Norbert Lammert, former Speaker of the German Parliament and current KAS Chairman.

Speaking on the theme of global power shifts and Africa’s place in the emerging multi-polar order, Akufo-Addo pointed to the growing influence of players such as the U.S., China, Russia, the EU, India, and the expanded BRICS bloc now including Egypt and Ethiopia.

“In this competitive global landscape, Africa must not allow itself to become a playground for the ambitions of others,” he said.

“Our sovereignty and development goals must never be compromised or subordinated to foreign interests.”

He called on African leaders to adopt a more united and strategic approach, diversify global partnerships, negotiate fairer deals, and deepen regional integration through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

According to Akufo-Addo, Africa has the potential to thrive amid global shifts but only if it strengthens internal cooperation and commits to homegrown, transformative development.