A growing push for African self-reliance is gaining attention as Alfred Nii Kotey Ashie urges leaders across the continent to shift focus from foreign aid to internal development.
Speaking on Breakfast Daily on Channel One TV on March 26, the lawmaker argued that Africa’s continued dependence on external assistance undermines its global influence—especially when addressing historical injustices such as reparations for slavery.
According to him, reliance on aid from Western nations weakens Africa’s bargaining power and limits its ability to take firm positions on issues affecting the continent. He emphasized that Africa already possesses the necessary human capital and natural resources to drive its own growth, but lacks consistent political will.
“We should look away from all this aid… we have the people and the resources; what we need is determination,” he stated.
His remarks come amid renewed international debate following a reparations motion introduced at the United Nations General Assembly by former Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama. The proposal called for formal recognition of the transatlantic slave trade as a crime against humanity.
The motion received significant backing, with 123 countries voting in favor. However, United States, Argentina, and Israel opposed it, while 52 nations abstained.
Kotey Ashie’s comments highlight a broader debate: whether Africa can strengthen its global voice and achieve justice for past wrongs while still heavily dependent on external support.
