Naana Opoku-Agyemang Calls for People-Centred Leadership at Oxford Africa Conference

Vice President of Ghana, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has called for grounded, disciplined and people-centred leadership as Africa navigates an era of global disruption.

Delivering the keynote address at the 16th Oxford Africa Conference, she said that although the continent continues to face significant challenges, it also possesses the capacity, talent and resources needed to shape its own development path through effective implementation and strong institutions.

She highlighted Ghana’s ongoing economic reforms aimed at stabilising the economy, reducing dependence on raw material exports and promoting value addition, particularly in key sectors such as cocoa processing.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang also pointed to flagship policy initiatives including the 24-Hour Economy programme and the proposed Women’s Development Bank, describing them as deliberate efforts to expand opportunities and integrate underserved groups, especially women, into the formal economy.

She further stressed the importance of empowering women through access to finance, skills and tools, noting that inclusive growth across Africa depends heavily on their active participation.

On continental development, she underscored the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area while urging African countries to take a leading role in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, energy transition and data governance.

She concluded that Africa’s transformation will depend on strong institutions, ethical governance and policies that deliver real and measurable improvements in the lives of citizens.