Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Libya, H.E. Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, has called on African countries to strengthen collective action to protect the continent’s interests amid growing geopolitical tensions and a weakening global multilateral system.
Speaking at the 21st Kronti ne Akwamu Lecture organized by the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) in Accra, H.E. Tetteh warned that Africa could become increasingly vulnerable if it failed to present a united front on diplomacy, trade, development and security as major global powers shift towards bilateral engagements.
Addressing the theme, “The Changing Global and Multilateral Order: Implications for Ghana and Africa’s Strategic Positioning,” she stressed that the rules-based international order remains critical for developing countries, particularly smaller economies, because it provides a platform for collective engagement and helps reduce global inequalities.
“Our dependence on multilateralism to level an uneven playing field is important and is something that we cannot afford to negate,” she said.
H.E. Hanna Tetteh observed that the international system is undergoing a significant transformation, with multilateral cooperation giving way to heightened geopolitical competition and bilateral alliances. She warned that this trend, coupled with rising protectionism and the weaponization of trade, could erode the gains Africa has made through coordinated negotiations.
According to her, the continent has consistently demonstrated its influence whenever it speaks with one voice, pointing to Africa’s contribution to negotiations that culminated in the adoption of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“If we work together, our competition should not be mutually destructive; it should focus on being mutually cooperative,” she stated.
She also urged African governments to move beyond merely ratifying the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement and prioritise its effective implementation, arguing that the continent will only reap the full benefits of the pact if member states are adequately prepared.
“Agreements don’t implement themselves. There is a difference between market access and market readiness,” she noted.
H.E. Hanna Tetteh further advocated reforms to the global financial architecture, stronger domestic resource mobilization and the development of a common African position on artificial intelligence governance. She also called for balanced climate policies that support environmental protection while addressing Africa’s development and energy needs.
On peace and security, she cautioned that sustainable development cannot be achieved without addressing conflicts, terrorism and organised crime, noting that criminal and terrorist networks are increasingly operating across national borders.
She therefore urged African governments to strengthen diplomacy, mediation, post-conflict recovery efforts and inclusive governance to tackle the root causes of instability across the continent.
Turning her attention to Ghana, H.E. Tetteh called on the country to preserve its peace and democratic stability while adopting a whole-of-government approach to foreign policy to ensure international engagements deliver tangible national development outcomes.
She further encouraged Ghana to maximise the opportunities presented by hosting the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area by improving market readiness, strengthening commercial diplomacy through its foreign missions and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises to expand into African markets.
H.E. Hanna Tetteh concluded that Africa’s ability to navigate the rapidly changing global landscape will depend on stronger institutions, deeper regional integration and the sustained implementation of decisions taken collectively by African states.
Source: Citi Newsroom
