Accra: Dr Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo, Minister of Labour, Jobs and Employment, has called on African leaders to focus on adding value to the continent's natural resources as a means to create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth. He emphasized the need for Africa to exert full control over its natural resources and rare minerals to improve the lives of its people.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Pelpuo highlighted the importance of strengthening regional integration through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area, which aims to enhance intra-African trade and promote industrialization. He noted that by increasing trade among African nations, the continent could reduce its reliance on external markets. These remarks were made during the opening of the Third Executive Council meeting of the African Federation of Miners and Mineral Wealth (AFMMW) in Accra, hosted by the Ghana Mineworkers' Union of the Trades Union Congress.
The meeting centered on the theme: "Strengthening Unity and Solidarity Among African Unions of Mines to Confront the New Global Order and Attempts to Control Natural Resources and Rare Minerals." Dr Pelpuo underscored that value addition is essential, and leveraging technology and innovation would be pivotal in achieving this goal.
He also stressed the importance of engaging with strategic partners worldwide to decrease dependency on any single influence. Dr Pelpuo explained that forming strategic partnerships would allow Africa to attract the necessary capital, technology, investment, and expertise to efficiently develop its resources. Additionally, these partnerships would open avenues to global markets, enhancing the continent's export competitiveness and ensuring mutually beneficial cooperation.