Former President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, delivered a compelling address at the National Defence College of Nigeria, urging African leaders and citizens to prioritize the development of strong institutions for the continent’s future. Speaking at the graduation ceremony for Course 33 on Monday, August 18, 2025, Akufo-Addo declared, “Africa’s future will not be built by chance. It will be built by strong institutions and bold leadership”.
The former president’s speech, titled “Strengthening Institutions for Good Governance in Africa,” underscored that good governance is “perhaps the single most important factor in eradicating poverty and promoting development”. He noted that while Africa has made progress, “the reality is that much more needs to be done”. Citing the 2024 Mo Ibrahim Index of African Governance, he highlighted the sobering threat posed by a “deepening security crisis and shrinking participatory environment”.
Akufo-Addo pointed to several governance deficits across the continent, including weak and opaque institutions, corruption, and limited political accountability. He stated that these issues, which have deep roots in the colonial past, have resulted in political instability and uneven economic growth. He also highlighted alarming statistics, such as high youth unemployment and a brain drain of African-trained health professionals to OECD countries.
To address these challenges, Akufo-Addo outlined a comprehensive approach centered on strengthening key pillars of governance. He stressed the importance of a professional and politically neutral military, noting that a stable democracy depends on it. He also called for strengthening the three arms of government—the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary—to ensure a robust system of checks and balances. The former president emphasized the need for a judiciary that is independent of political influence to uphold the rule of law.
Furthermore, he advocated for strengthening anti-corruption bodies, ensuring the independence and proper funding of civil society organizations, and investing in education to promote civic awareness and participation.
In his final remarks to the graduating class, Akufo-Addo challenged them to be more than just soldiers. He called on them to be “guardians of peace, defenders of the constitution, and symbols of integrity for your nation”. He concluded that with “political will, citizen engagement and investment in education, Africa’s young and dynamic population can transform the governance deficit into a future of opportunity and prosperity”.
Stable democracy depends on professional and politically neutral military
Speaking on the military in fostering democratic stability in Africa, he emphasized that a stable democracy requires a military that is “professional, politically neutral… backed by a firm, transparent and accountable civilian administration”.
The former president, a known advocate for the rule of law, stated his firm belief in the military’s vital role in national peace and security.
He noted that he had commissioned Ghana’s College of Defence Studies in 2023, rooting its establishment in the nation’s need for self-reliance in developing military and civilian leaders. This initiative, he explained, was aimed at building a professional force that understands both the global security landscape and national priorities. In 2024, the college was granted a Presidential Charter, making it an autonomous National Defence University.
Akufo-Addo further asserted that coups become “less likely when soldiers are loyal to the constitution, institutions are strong, and the economy provides jobs, wages, and services for all”.
He connected the military’s professionalism to broader governance, explaining that political stability attracts investment, which in turn fuels economic growth. This creates a “self-reinforcing cycle” where good governance drives development, and development strengthens stability, benefiting both the military and the nation.
In his concluding remarks to the graduating class, Akufo-Addo praised their commitment and dedication.
He reminded them that their uniform is not just for battle but serves as a “promise to your country,” making them “guardians of peace, defenders of the constitution, and symbols of integrity”.
He encouraged them to uphold their duty with courage and humility, letting their example inspire others.
Akufo-Addo prescribes solutions for Africa’s governance deficit
He offered a comprehensive prescription for strengthening governance across Africa. Akufo-Addo presented a multi-layered approach centered on strong institutions and decisive leadership.
Akufo-Addo identified several key challenges, including weak institutions, corruption, and limited political accountability, which he said stem from a colonial past that disrupted traditional systems and created artificial borders.
He pointed to a low adult literacy rate in sub-Saharan Africa, estimated at 67.7%, and alarming youth unemployment as evidence of this deficit. He also highlighted the state of healthcare systems and the brain drain of African-trained health professionals as a “glaring governance deficit”.
To remedy these issues, the former president prescribed a series of solutions. First and foremost, he emphasized the need for genuine institutional independence. He called on governments to enact laws that grant anti-corruption bodies, such as Nigeria’s EFCC and Ghana’s CHRAJ, operational and financial independence, citing Botswana and Rwanda as successful models. He also stressed that a stable democracy depends on a “professional, politically neutral military” loyal to the constitution.
Akufo-Addo further advocated for the use of technology to ensure transparency and accountability. He suggested that digital tools, such as open contracting portals and blockchain, could close loopholes and expose fraud. He also urged leaders to reduce donor dependence by boosting domestic revenue mobilization and improving spending efficiency, stating that transparent governance attracts investment.
In his final remarks, Akufo-Addo reiterated that Africa’s path to stronger institutions is “not one-size-fits-all” and requires bold, coordinated action. He concluded by challenging the graduating class to be guardians of peace and defenders of the constitution, stating that with political will and citizen engagement, Africa can transform its governance deficit into a future of opportunity and prosperity.
Ghana and Nigeria private sector must lead AfCFTA
He called on the private sectors of Ghana and Nigeria to be at the forefront of implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He stressed that the two countries “cannot afford to let this window of opportunity slip”.
Akufo-Addo underscored the importance of strengthening the African Union as a critical ingredient for economic progress and good governance.
He highlighted the AfCFTA, whose secretariat is located in Accra, as an essential instrument for this goal. The former president noted that intra-African trade is currently estimated at only 16% of the continent’s collective GDP, compared to 75% for the European Union.
Akufo-Addo said that Nigeria, as an “economic powerhouse of Africa,” has a significant role to play in the vast market of 1.4 billion people. He expressed hope that a marked enhancement of intra-African trade will stimulate investment and innovation, improve food security, and solve the long-standing challenge of youth unemployment by unleashing the entrepreneurial spirit of African peoples.
He urged both the Ghanaian and Nigerian governments to actively facilitate and support their private sectors to take advantage of the immense possibilities presented by the AfCFTA.
In his address on “Strengthening Institutions for Good Governance in Africa”, Akufo-Addo also touched on other key areas, including the critical role of strong institutions in economic growth.
He explained that when the judiciary is independent, contracts are enforced and property rights are protected, businesses invest with confidence. This creates trust in the governance system and generates wealth for the people.