Ghana’s Defence Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, has called on African nations to take charge of their destiny and actively shape the future they deserve.

Speaking at the Futures Forum 2025 held at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) on Tuesday, 27 May, Dr Boamah urged the continent to harness its potential and act decisively in a rapidly changing world.

“Africa stands at a defining crossroads. Not of crisis, but of possibility,” he stated. “In a world where global security is being reimagined, Africa must not sit on the sidelines—we must shape the future we deserve.”

Addressing an international audience of policymakers, innovators, and youth leaders, he encouraged African nations to claim their agency by leveraging existing frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.

Dr Boamah highlighted the importance of investing in education, technology, and innovation as tools for transformation.

He made reference to the One Million Coders’ Programme being rolled out in Ghana under President John Mahama’s leadership.

“Through the One Million Coders’ Programme, we seek to equip the youth with critical skill sets in data protection, cybersecurity, AI engineering, and software engineering,” he explained, emphasising the importance of preparing young Africans for the evolving digital economy.

Calling for a new approach to development and governance, Dr Boamah urged African governments to design budgets that reflect the people’s priorities, and challenged international partners to collaborate for structural change rather than temporary fixes.

“Let peace, vision, and solidarity be the forces that unite us. Africa must unite. Africa will unite. And together, we will build the Africa We Want,” he concluded.