Back to Latest Briefings
August 27, 2026
AI-Enhanced
Africa is being short-changed because we fail to negotiate well – Col Festus Aboagye
Money
Policy
Opportunity
Growth
Key Points
- Retired Colonel Festus Aboagye criticizes African governments for failing to convert vast natural and human resources into effective bargaining power, leading to the continent being short-changed.
- Africa primarily exports raw materials and human capital, capturing only a fraction of the value generated from finished products or services.
- Weak negotiating capacity, often stemming from a reluctance to consult independent experts and political leaders prioritizing personal or party gain over national interest, is identified as a key problem.
- Ghana's dealings with Turkey over a power plant are cited as an example where independent expertise was crucial in renegotiating and reducing costs.
- Despite these challenges, Africa has an opportunity to improve its bargaining position due to global powers competing for access, advocating for a multi-alignment strategy based on robust negotiating capacity.
Why This Matters
This analysis is highly relevant for Ghana as it directly addresses the nation's struggles with leveraging its resources and human capital. Colonel Aboagye specifically cites Ghana's nurses' migration and a power plant deal with Turkey as examples of weak negotiation and value capture. Implementing the suggested improvements in negotiating capacity and prioritizing national interest would enable Ghana to secure better terms in international agreements, fostering sustainable economic growth and retaining more value from its assets.
Read Full Article
View original sourceRelated Articles
August 27, 2026
World Bank’s Ghana poverty findings vindicate our April 2026 wellbeing report – APL
- The Africa Policy Lens (APL) states the World Bank's 10th Ghana Economic Update validates its April 2026 Ghana Wellbeing Tracker report, concluding Ghana is "stabilising but not yet thriving."
- The World Bank reported that 56.4% of Ghanaians remain in poverty despite strong economic growth in 2025, sharp disinflation, and improved macroeconomic indicators.
- Both institutions identified a clear disconnect between headline economic growth and household living conditions, with growth concentrated in sectors with limited job creation capacity.
- APL's Ghana Wellbeing Tracker had put the country's overall Ghana Wellbeing Index (GWI) at 58.5 out of 100, indicating a fragile-to-neutral range for household economic recovery.
- Both the World Bank and APL conclude that macroeconomic recovery has advanced faster than household economic recovery, highlighting a significant policy challenge.
August 26, 2026
Liverpool to face Tottenham in EFL Cup third round
- The draw for the third round of the Carabao Cup has been conducted.
- Premier League giants like Liverpool, Manchester United, and Manchester City will enter the competition.
- Key fixtures include Liverpool vs Tottenham and Manchester United vs Brighton.
- Holders Manchester City will host Norwich City.
- Matches are scheduled for the weeks of September 7 and September 14.
August 26, 2026
Veteran actress Grace Nortey dies at 89
- Veteran Ghanaian actress Grace Nortey, a pioneer of the country’s theatre, television, and film industry, has reportedly died at the age of 89.
- Known as “Maame Gyata” for her strong-willed characters, her career spanned over five decades, featuring in iconic local productions like Obra and Taxi Driver.
- She also appeared in international films, including the 2015 Netflix production "Beasts of No Nation," which was shot in Ghana.
- Beyond acting, Nortey worked with the Ghana Education Service and advocated for the welfare of veteran actors.
- Her significant contributions to Ghana’s creative industry earned her numerous awards and honours throughout her illustrious career.