Ghana’s Vice President, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has urged countries in the Global South to strengthen international cooperation, demand fairer global financial systems and secure greater representation in international institutions.
She made the call while addressing the 2026 Global South Academic Forum in Shanghai, China, held under the theme “Global South Political Parties: Governance and Modernisation.”
According to a statement from the Office of the Vice President, she stressed that developing countries must work together to influence global decisions, promote economic development and build stronger institutions.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang noted that political independence alone is not enough, emphasising the need for productive economies, accountable governance and institutions capable of meeting citizens’ needs. She referenced the Pan-African vision of Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, and liberation movements across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean.
She also highlighted China’s experience in long-term planning, industrialisation and institutional coordination as a source of lessons for developing countries. However, she cautioned that South-South cooperation should encourage mutual learning rather than require countries to adopt identical development models.
The Vice President further called for stronger partnerships in education, scientific research, technology and innovation, particularly as artificial intelligence transforms economies worldwide.
She urged universities, research institutions, political parties and governments across the Global South to collaborate more closely, share knowledge and develop practical solutions tailored to their countries’ needs.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang concluded by encouraging participants to promote constructive dialogue, strengthen intellectual partnerships and work towards a more inclusive and equitable international order.
Source: newsthemegh.com