Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of Ghana delivers Keynote Address at IDU in Washington D.C.
The Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia addressed members and participants of the International Democrat Union (IDU) Forum 2022 in Washington D.C. on December 8 where he delivered the Keynote Address. The Forum was under the theme “Russia, the war and African interests.”
Dr. Bawumia’s speech focused primarily on trade, supply-chain, sanctions, and barriers facing the world and how they relate to the escalating crisis between Russia and Ukraine. The Vice President stated that the war has had an impact on world trade, democracy, the rule of law, and countries’ territorial integrity.
“I observed that although the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia-Ukraine war have jointly affected global trade, disruptions to democracy, rule of law and the lack of respect for territorial integrity of countries pose an even greater threat,” said Dr. Bawumia.
“I therefore call on global leaders not to turn a blind eye to the developments in the Sahel region where democracy has come under attack from different angles, including terrorist attacks,” he added.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of the Republic of Ghana, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, was also present at the Forum. The minister on her part, urged the West to increase its investment in Africa rather than viewing it as a dangerous region for business. She also pointed out that no country in the world can develop at the back of Overseas Development Aid (ODA).
Furthermore, Hon. Botchwey who spoke with the IDU chairman, Stephen Harper and Volkmar Klein; MP, Germany, noted that “what Africa needs to develop is investment,” although she indicated that Africa would not reject any form of aid, but reiterated that “the focus should shift to investment over aid.”
On the Russia-Ukraine war, the Minister stated, “Ghana condemned in no uncertain terms the non-provoked aggression by Russia against Ukraine and has stood side-by-side with the people of Ukraine”.
In the spirit of progress, the Minister said, Ghana and many other African nations are non-aligned, and the continent is urging all parties to the Russia-Ukraine conflict to sit down and find an amicable settlement for the sake of world peace.
The Vice President and Hon. Minister were accompanied by the Ambassador of the Republic of Ghana to the USA, Her Excellency Alima Mahama and other officials from the Office of the Vice President the Foreign Ministry of Ghana and the Ghana Embassy in Washington D.C.
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About IDU
Founded in 1983, the IDU Forum brings together conservative legislators, party executives, and thought leaders from more than 80 member parties.
The gathering allows an open exchange and vigorous debates in a unique environment among like-minded partners committed to shared values of freedom and democracy.
The IDU holds two Forums annually: a marquee IDU Forum in Washington, D.C. and a regionally focused Forum that alternates location.
The Forums also create value for participants by building relationships, discussing policy challenges, sharing best practices for campaigning and governing, and supporting parties in emerging democracies.
Source: Embassy of Ghana, Washington D.C
Oral Ofori is Founder and Publisher at www.TheAfricanDream.net, a digital storyteller and producer, and also an information and research consultant.
