Former President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, has pinpointed weak and opaque institutions, alongside corruption, limited political accountability, and inadequate public services, as significant barriers to effective governance across Africa. Speaking at the graduation ceremony of Course 33 at the National Defence College in Abuja, Akufo-Addo expressed confidence in the continent’s inherent ability to surmount these governance threats through institutional reforms that bolster transparency and accountability.
He underscored the importance of establishing credible and transparent systems as a cornerstone for transforming Africa’s governance landscape. Additionally, Akufo-Addo warned African leaders against practices that undermine democracy, such as intimidating opposition, censoring the media, and restricting civil society activities, which he argued weaken the very institutions designed to safeguard citizens’ rights.