The Africa Society of the National Summit on Africa, a non-governmental organization, has launched a book on US-Africa relations under the Obama administration in Accra, Ghana.
The book titled ‘United States and Africa: The Obama Presidency’ chronicles the Obama Administration’s engagement with Africa.
Published in partnership with AMIP News, the book was first launched in Washington D.C., last year.
Launching the book, Trade Minister Alan Kyeremanten bemoaned why Africa, which contains almost 60 percent of the world’s natural resources and a fifth of the world’s forest resource, is a deprived continent.
“I believe that the Obama presidency sent a strong signal to us in Africa that it is time for Africa to take its rightful place in the global landscape in terms of economic development.”
He was however optimistic various initiatives being undertaken by some African leaders will propel the continent’s economic growth.
“We will continue to understand and believe in ourselves and work with the United States through initiatives such as the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act, (AGOA). I believe that we can leverage our mutual benefits and resources for the collective interest of our people,” he stated.
According to Kyeremanten, Obama’s ascension as president of the United States is a strong signal that the youth can achieve whatever they wish to do if only they have the will.
In her address, Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Africa Society Board of Directors, Ambassador Pamela Bridgewater, urged African countries to take better advantage of the opportunities the US has to offer and assured of her organization’s continuous advocacy for the growth of continent.
“Try and reduce impediments in your countries to benefit from trade opportunities from the US. It is important for us as a people to talk about and record what we do. If we don’t do an accurate report of what took place, those things will be lost, because our mission is to educate and advocate for Africa.”
She disclosed Ghana was chosen for the Africa launch of the book due to the special relationship the two countries have.
By Nana Oye Ankrah