Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the immediate past Vice-Presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has underscored the need for stronger political leadership and commitment to sustainable development across Africa.

Delivering a keynote address at the Alliance for Science Global Consortium meeting in Kenya, Dr. Opoku Prempeh emphasized that Africa’s sustainability challenge is not just an environmental concern but a socio-economic and political imperative that demands urgent action.

Speaking on the theme “The Sustainability Challenge for Africa,” Dr. Opoku Prempeh emphasized the need for African nations to balance economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection while ensuring that progress does not compromise the well-being of future generations.

“Africa is at a crossroads,” he observed. “We must ask ourselves how we can lift millions out of poverty while preserving our natural resources for future generations. More importantly, we must examine the role of political leaders in driving sustainability on the continent.”

As a former Minister for Education as well as Energy and a long-serving legislator in Ghana’s Parliament, Dr. Opoku Prempeh underscored the importance of informed political leadership in addressing the continent’s sustainability concerns.

“I dare say that without informed political leaders, it will take us a very long time to address our sustainability challenges as a continent,” he said.

Dr. Opoku Prempeh stressed that while individual and corporate sustainability efforts are essential, lasting and systemic change requires political will. He emphasized that politicians must prioritize sustainability policies, even when the benefits are not immediately visible within electoral cycles.

“Sustainability does not happen in a vacuum. It requires political will—the ability to enact policies that may not yield immediate electoral benefits but will serve future generations,” he remarked. “Leaders must be willing to challenge the status quo, protect our environment, and ensure equitable human development.”

He mentioned key sustainability challenges facing Africa, including climate change, environmental degradation, poverty and inequality, food and water security, and the lack of economic diversification.

He was of the view that without urgent action, the continent’s future generations could inherit a world plagued by resource depletion and environmental disasters.

According to Dr. Opoku Prempeh, African leaders must actively champion sustainability. He outlined key roles political leaders must play, including:

Policy Development and Implementation: Leaders must introduce and enforce policies that promote sustainable energy, agriculture, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

Legislative Power: Laws must be enacted to protect the environment and promote sustainable practices.

Resource Allocation: Governments must prioritize funding for renewable energy, education, healthcare, and conservation efforts.

Visionary Leadership: Leaders must inspire and mobilize citizens towards sustainability, much like Nelson Mandela did for social justice in South Africa.

International cooperation: African leaders must advocate for climate action and sustainable development at global forums such as the United Nations.

Public Awareness and Education: Governments must educate citizens on the importance of sustainability and encourage community participation in green initiatives.

He highlighted examples of African leaders who have demonstrated commitment to sustainability, including President Macky Sall of Senegal for his renewable energy initiatives, former President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana for his initiatives to promote sustainable agriculture, reforestation, and climate action.

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