The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has raised strong concerns over what he describes as inadequate budgetary allocations to key African Union (AU) priorities in the 2026 budget.
Speaking at the 47th Ordinary Session of the African Union in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, Mr. Ablakwa singled out the \$1.2 million allocation to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as “highly insufficient,” warning that such underfunding threatens the continent’s ambitions for economic transformation.
Mr. Ablakwa emphasized that the AfCFTA must be prioritized as a strategic platform to create jobs, drive industrialization, and offer young people meaningful opportunities across the continent.
“We think that something has to be done more significantly to show real commitment because that is what the young people of our country really are looking forward to. They want opportunities, they want jobs, they want us to industrialize so that they do not have to perish as they see criminal passages outside the continent. So I just thought that we need to reflect on that,” he stated.
The Foreign Minister also called for enhanced support for peace operations in response to growing instability across parts of the continent.
While acknowledging the detailed budget report provided by the AU, he stressed that allocations to critical areas fall far below the required thresholds.
“And Africa remains the poorest continent. Whereas the irony is that we are the most blessed in terms of the natural resources, in terms of human capacity. And we know that it is the lack of intra-Africa trade which has held us back. And Ghana is not the least impressed about the allocation.” Mr. Ablakwa asserted.
He urged AU leaders to reflect deeply and make more meaningful financial commitments to strategic continental goals in order to truly advance Africa’s development.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
