African leaders have been asked by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to create programs and policies that would enhance the quality of life for their people.
Akufo-Addo asserted during a speech at the current US-Africa Summit in Washington that Africa will advance under strong leadership.
In order for the African continent to wean itself off its dependency on the West, he said, African leaders must put a stop to the various talk shops and put their ideas into practice.
"We have had enough conferences and workshops, and, should I say, enough talking; now that we know what has to be done, it is time to really carry it out. There are no more justifications for the condition of our continent; we have the resources and ought to have the political will to turn Africa around.
Akufo-Addo urged African nations to stop "begging" the West in order to gain respect internationally and alter negative perceptions of the region.
"Africa won't need to beg for respect from anyone if we stop being beggars and spend African money on the continent; we will receive the respect we deserve. Respect would come if we make it prosperous, like it ought to be, according to Mr. Akufo-Addo.
In order to meet common ambitions, Mr. Akufo-Addo encouraged stronger unity among Africans.
"Africans are tougher outside of Africa than inside. We must keep in mind that there is no such thing as Nigeria, Ghana, or Kenya to the outside world; we are just Africans. Together, we choose our fate as individuals," he remarked.
In light of rising Chinese and Russian influence on the continent, dozens of African leaders are in Washington to explore collaboration with the US.