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Young leaders urged to build trust to drive Africa’s economic integration
The Founder of the Brazil-Ghana Chamber of Commerce, Mrs. Edinam Adjei-Sika, has called on young Africans to take an active role in building trust and relationships that will strengthen regional economic integration across the continent.
Speaking at the Africa Young Diplomats Forum (AYDF) International Diplomatic Leadership Conference held at the School of Public Health Auditorium on Thursday, Mrs. Adjei-Sika said Africa’s economic future depended not only on trade agreements and policies but also on the ability of citizens to work together across borders.
She stressed that frameworks such as Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) could only achieve their objectives when people, businesses and communities developed mutual trust and understanding.
According to her, economic integration is not driven solely by infrastructure, customs procedures or regulations but by strong human relationships that encourage cooperation and trade.
Mrs. Adjei-Sika shared an experience from a meeting with a senior diplomat in Ghana who described her as an ambassador because of her efforts in connecting businesses and promoting cultural exchange between Brazil and Ghana.
The experience, she said, demonstrated that leadership and bridge-building are no longer limited to individuals with diplomatic titles or official passports.
“Anyone who creates opportunities for cooperation, understanding and partnership is contributing to diplomacy and development,” she noted.
She explained that successful trade and investment relationships often begin with trust, adding that people are more willing to do business with those they understand and respect.
Using the example of AfCFTA, Mrs. Adjei-Sika said Africans must first develop confidence in one another before the continent can fully benefit from the free trade agreement.
She noted that stronger relationships among citizens of countries such as Ghana, Togo and Nigeria would make it easier for businesses to collaborate and expand across borders.
Mrs. Adjei-Sika further encouraged young leaders to see themselves as agents of change capable of promoting cooperation, innovation and sustainable development in their communities.
She urged them to invest in networking, cultural understanding and dialogue, explaining that these qualities would help create partnerships that can withstand political changes and economic challenges.
The conference, which brought together emerging leaders, students and professionals from across Africa, focused on the role of diplomacy and leadership in advancing regional cooperation and achieving the goals of Agenda 2063.
Participants were encouraged to embrace leadership roles that promote unity, economic growth and stronger connections among African countries.
By Enoch Ntiamoah Siaw
In a world where fathers are increasingly consumed by work and the pursuit of financial security, Bishop Michael Quartey, the Regional Overseer of the Perez Chapel International, has urged fathers to prioritise spending quality time with their children.
This, he said makes them develop trust, love and sense of security in building confident responsible adults.
Bishop Michael Quartey made this known in an interview with The Spectator ahead of the Father’s Day celebration tomorrow.
He noted that while many fathers are providing the financial needs of their families, children also require emotional support, guidance and quality time from their fathers.
“A lot of children are engaged in a lot of negative things just because of the absence of their fathers and it is about time we sit up.”
Bishop Quartey explained that fatherhood goes beyond meeting financial obligations and involves being physically and emotionally present in the lives of their children.
“Fathers serve as role models whose actions and decisions often influence the values and attitudes of their children” he disclosed.
He also elaborated that regular communication, participation in school activities and involvement in children’s daily life could significantly strengthen family bonds and contribute to the overall well –being of the children.
He added that though the modern day fathers are doing so well, we need to continue to change the narrative by putting in extra effort in the upbringing of our children.
“Being a father is a great joy and it is very necessary for fathers to be celebrated because they go through a lot,” he indicated.
Mr Quartey used the opportunity to encourage all fathers to continue doing their best and pray for their children as well.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
A new cultural, trade, and diplomatic platform celebrating Ghana-Norway ties was launched on Saturday, June 13, at Palms by Eagles Hotel, Accra.
Dubbed the ‘Akwaaba Nsuo & Velkommen Fjord Durbar 2026’, the event draws on the symbolism of Ghana’s rivers, -Nsuo, and Norway’s fjords to highlight water as a shared cultural, economic, and environmental identity.
The three-day event is scheduled for July 31 – August 2, 2026 in Oslo, Norway. Activities will include a trade exhibition, durbar of chiefs, and B2B networking sessions.
Speaking at the launch, CEO of the Durbar, Kofi Mulan, said Ghana’s rivers like the Volta, Pra, and Ankobra have long sustained livelihoods through fishing, transport, and spirituality.
“Similarly, Norway’s fjords represent the cornerstone of its maritime heritage, global leadership in ocean industries, and environmental stewardship,” Mr Mulan added.
“These parallel relationships with water form the philosophical and thematic spine of the entire event. The Akwaaba Nsuo & Velkommen Fjord Durbar 2026 is therefore framed as a convergence of heritage and innovation,” he said.
Organisers say participants will benefit from Global visibility and cultural diplomacy in Europe, stronger ties with Norway, and increased market access for exports like fashion, crafts, agribusiness, and processed goods under AfCFTA frameworks on the Ghana side.
On the Norway side, they noted access to Norwegian expertise in maritime technology, aquaculture, and renewable energy, plus opportunities in fisheries, offshore energy, and sustainability projects.
The Durbar is positioned as a high-level exchange platform to deepen trade and diplomatic relations between Ghana and Norway.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
