Africa’s richest man and President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has commended President John Mahama for what he described as a remarkable turnaround in Ghana’s economy within a relatively short period.
Mr Dangote made the remarks at the Accra Reset, an event hosted by President Mahama on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly on Monday, September 21.
According to the business magnate, the developments recorded in Ghana demonstrate how confidence and trust can influence investment and economic growth.
“Let me first of all, you know, appreciate and congratulate, my brother, His Excellency President, John Mahama for actually turning around the economy of Ghana. In a very, very short time. This has actually shown that money follows trust,” he said.
Mr Dangote said the economic changes under President Mahama were not the result of extraordinary measures but rather decisions that helped restore confidence in the country.
“He didn’t do any magic. He’s not a magician, but he did the right things. And people really have a lot of trust in him and that’s why Ghana’s economy turned around. Excellency, I must really congratulate you,” he added.
Dangote urges deeper African integration
Beyond Ghana’s economic performance, Mr Dangote called for stronger cooperation among African countries, particularly in facilitating the movement of people, capital and investment across national borders.
He questioned the difficulties Africans often face when travelling within their own continent compared with Europeans visiting African countries.
“Why are you allowing a European, let me not say whether British or an European to visit Africa much, much easier than me as an African? It does not make sense,” he said.
Mr Dangote stressed the need for African countries to strengthen their belief in the continent and invest more in its economies to create opportunities for present and future generations.
“So, we have to get together. We have to believe in our continent. We have to invest there. It is not only for us, it’s for the future of next and next generation,” he said.
He further highlighted Africa’s youthful population and vast economic potential, arguing that the continent must move beyond discussions about its opportunities and take concrete steps to turn that potential into meaningful development.
According to him, increased investment, stronger regional cooperation and easier movement across borders will be essential if Africa is to fully harness its economic opportunities.
By: Prince Martey-Sogar