Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has stated that it is time for Africa to seize the opportunity to harness technology, alongside its vast mineral and human resource potential, to drive sustainable development across the continent.
He made the remarks at the launch of the 12th edition of the Ishmael Yamson and Associates Business Round Table held at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra on Thursday, May 28, 2026, under the theme: “Unlocking the Next Quarter Century: Harnessing Africa’s Digital Infrastructure, Trade & Integration, Energy & Industry, Governance, and Societal Development for Global Relevance.”
Speaking as the keynote speaker, Dr. Forson emphasized that artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, combined with prudent economic management, represent the key to achieving sustainable development that transcends national boundaries.
“The time for Africa to assert its position and influence on the global stage is long overdue and it is time that the new crop of leaders on the continent leverage on the power of technology to build systems that can turn the youthful demographic dividend coupled with vast natural resources into an asset which transforms the lives of its citizens in a positive manner,” he stated.
He further noted that technology and decisive leadership are central to reshaping Africa’s global narrative.
“Technology and decisive leadership are the driving forces that can change narratives about our homeland from perennial underachievers to a continent where our problems are correctly diagnosed and appropriate policies and programmes are designed to turn such challenges into opportunities that push us to collective wins and development that sustains our societies and places respect on our achievements over the long term for all stakeholders,” he noted.
Also speaking at the event, Ghanaian economist and Chairman of Ishmael Yamson and Associates, Dr. Ishmael Yamson, called for an end to poor leadership and economic mismanagement on the continent.
“The decades of lackadaisical leadership and economic mismanagement by the elites parading the corridors of power must be banished to distant memories. We must decide to hold our leaders and policymakers to strict standards of ethics and accountability like pertains in the advanced nations of the Global North, and that must be non-negotiable if we want to move from penury to riches that impact our citizens,” he said.
Dr. Yamson added that governance should be driven by competence and a deep understanding of citizens’ real-life challenges rather than partisan loyalty.
“Politics and governance must not be reduced to freebies and gifts of partisan loyalty but rather hardcore competence and skills that appreciates the real life struggles of our own citizens in the long term. Time is of the essence and we cannot afford the luxury of wasting any more time in our quest to prepare a better future for succeeding generations,” he added.
The well-attended event brought together captains of industry, policymakers, investors, development partners, and other stakeholders to deliberate on issues affecting Africa’s development trajectory.
It featured strategic breakout sessions, plenary discussions, and keynote addresses aimed at shaping conversations on how to maximize the continent’s potential over the next quarter century.
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Story by Sika Togoh | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Erica Odeenyin Odoom
