Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has advocated stronger institutional capacity, accountable governance, and deeper South-South cooperation across developing nations to drive sustainable modernization.
Addressing delegates at the 2026 Global South Academic Forum in Shanghai, China, held under the theme “Global South Political Parties: Governance and Modernisation,” the Vice President underscored the imperative of translating historical political freedom into economic resilience.
Reflecting on the historical struggles that defined the Global South, including the Pan-African vision of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah alongside liberation movements across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, she stressed that winning political independence represents only the preliminary phase of nation-building.
She noted that the primary task confronting developing countries remains the establishment of robust institutions, competitive economies, and administrative structures capable of addressing the needs of their citizens.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang observed that electoral success and effective governance represent two distinct responsibilities, urging political parties, governments, universities, and statutory bodies to continuously adapt, bolster transparency, and build capacity to respond to changing global dynamics.
Highlighting China’s economic trajectory, she stated that the country’s development journey offers vital insights in long-term strategic planning, industrialisation, and institutional synergy.
She, however, clarified that genuine South-South cooperation must rely on mutual learning rather than forcing nations to adopt identical growth models, adding that unique historical realities demand customized solutions.
The Vice President called for accelerated partnerships in research, higher education, technology, and innovation, emphasizing that higher education institutions across the Global South must actively collaborate and share critical knowledge to navigate artificial intelligence and emerging technological shifts.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang further urged Global South nations to push for a fairer international framework by demanding equitable global financial structures, enhanced representation within multilateral institutions, and greater participation in global decision-making processes.
She reminded delegates that constructive partnerships do not require total consensus, urging member nations to maintain principled dialogue, learn from shared achievements and missteps, and pursue pragmatic solutions.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
