The most efficient way for Africa to reverse the effects of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and prepare for any future pandemic is to assert its independence in economic, scientific and political terms, Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has suggested.
According to the Foreign Affairs Minister, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Anyaa-Sowutuom, COVID-19 and its economic fallout had helped to highlight the long-term efforts needed to strengthen the continent's health systems, diversify its economies and broaden domestic revenue sources.
She said "I wish to state that COVID-19 is another major test of the resolve of the African Union and its member states to advance development on the continent.
Chairman of Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr Frank Annoh-Dompreh, commenting on the statement, asked African leaders to step up efforts to ensure the infection rate on the continent did not spike.
This was because the West was concentrating on itself, and called for the establishment of an African Economic Recovery Programme to help resurrect the continent's economy, which had been hard hit by the pandemic.
