President Nana Akufo-Addo has said that African countries must wean themselves off "begging" the West to earn global respect and change poor perceptions about the continent.
"If we stop being beggars and spend African money inside the continent, Africa will not need to ask for respect from anyone, we will get the respect we deserve. If we make it prosperous as it should be, respect will follow," Mr Akufo-Addo said.
He made the remarks during the opening of the US-Africa Leaders' Summit in Washington DC.
Mr Akufo-Addo urged greater solidarity among Africans to address shared aspirations.
"Africans are more resilient outside the continent than inside. We must bear in mind that to the outside world, [there's] nothing like Nigeria, Ghana or Kenya, we are simply Africans. Our destiny as people depends on each other," he said.
The president said that the continent had skills and manpower but needed concerted political will to make "Africa work".
Mr Akufo-Addo's remarks came on the day that the International Monetary Fund agreed to give Ghana a $3bn (£2.4bn) loan to alleviate an unprecedented economic downturn in the West African country.
Dozens of African leaders are in Washington to discuss cooperation with the US amid growing Chinese and Russian influence on the continent.
Latest Stories
-
Apple pulls data protection tool after UK government security row
12 minutes -
MTN FA Cup: Gold Stars knocked out on penalties by Attram Devisser
58 minutes -
Assemblyman alleges kidnap, torture on orders of NDC Bono East regional chairman
1 hour -
CAS dismisses Luis Rubiales’ appeal against FIFA’s three-year ban
1 hour -
When finding love on Facebook becomes a family tradition
2 hours -
We are committed to reviewing Cash Reserve Ratio for banks – BoG Governor
2 hours -
We can’t afford to lose our Indigenous languages – Atwima Nwabiagya North MP
2 hours -
Ghana Police Service refutes claims of neglecting injured officer at KATH
2 hours -
Cybervergent Ghana outlines key strategies for a secure digital future
3 hours -
Morocco struck late to beat Ghana’s Black Queens in friendly
3 hours -
Combine studies and certifications to boost your career prospects, CIB Ghana Chief tells students
3 hours -
Greater Accra Regional Minister gives MMDAs 50-day period to fix streetlights
3 hours -
Ghana’s digital financial renaissance: Redefining economic inclusion through digital assets
4 hours -
Beyond 8-to-5: Preparing Ghana’s supply chains for a 24-Hour Economy
4 hours -
Dr Nana Arthur Joseph Owuraku Jnr: A henius in Homeopathic Medicine and Humanitarian Service
4 hours