President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of Ghana has lamented the severe impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Africa.
President Akufo-Addo stated in his closing statement at Ukraine’s peace summit in Switzerland that “The consequences of the invasion go far beyond the confines of Europe. Indeed, in many ways, Africa has been the greatest victim of the conflict.”
According to him, the disruption of global trade, particularly the blockade of the Black Sea, has had devastating effects on African economies and standards of living.
“High inflation and skyrocketing food prices have been some of the consequences of the invasion. Therefore, we have a vested interest in participating in efforts to find a resolution to this conflict,” he remarked.
He therefore called for Russia and China to join the peace talks, emphasizing that their involvement is crucial for reaching a definitive settlement. “If we’re ever going to arrive at a definitive settlement, Russia and China must join the talks,” the report on Thursday by Daily Graphic quoted the Ghanaian President as saying.
President Akufo-Addo said that Ghana was opposed to “great power hegemony and the bullying of small states by big powers,” adding that this principle guides Ghana’s view of Russia’s invasion and acts of aggression.
“The summit concluded with 80 countries, including Ukraine, and four European institutions signing the final joint communique on June 1. “Over 100 countries and organizations participated in the summit, with notable attendees including Australia, Canada, the European Commission, Germany, Ghana, Japan, the UK, and the US,” the report said.
GIK/APA