26th May, 2016

The Daily Graphic agrees with the assertion that Africa's progress depends on the collaborative efforts of all its member states, including civil society, private sector, religious institutions, and media among others. The Graphic thinks President John Mahama was on spot when he said in a message on his facebook wall to mark the day that Africa needs partnership and not sympathy in its effort to provide better standards of living for its people. The paper believes that if Africa focuses on its agenda, the continent will become a dynamic force in the international arena and the AU could be at par with other continental bodies such as the EU. 

The Ghanaian Times finds it disheartening that as at today, Africa is yet to realise any true integration. The paper says the continent remains undeveloped, despite it being endowed with rich natural resources and African leaders keep going cup-in-hand to beg for loans and grants from relatively less-endowed nation. The Times therefore appreciates the advice given by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Madam Hanna Tetteh to the countries to move their diplomatic relations beyond governments and create the enabling environment for their people to participate in the continent's development. The Paper believes it is time the continent's leaders moved from giving lip-service to the concept of unity and instead, began taking pragmatic steps to advance the cause. 

The Daily Heritage says African Leaders must begin to reflect on what they have done for their countries and stop running and blaming the West for their failures. According to the paper, celebrating 53 years of the AU without any meaningful economic transformational agenda is meaningless. The Paper says African leaders must find innovative ways of making good use of their natural resources to the benefit of their citizens. 

GBC