'FOCUS' on just ended AU Summit 

Panelists on Radio Ghana’s Current Affairs Programme, FOCUS, which discussed the promotion of Intra-African Trade at the just-ended Africa Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, have expressed strong doubts about the ability of the continent to achieve this in the next foreseeable future. 

They are of the view that most of the things discussed by the African leaders were nothing, but repetition of vain talk without the needed determination to implement the communiqué arrived at the meeting. 

A Veteran Journalist and Lecturer at the African University College of Communications, Nana Essilfie-Conduah, said many trade agreements which have been signed are not working due to foreign influences based on the colonial legacy. 

He said African leaders should listen to their people about the issue of importation of foreign goods which are killing the local industry. 

A Language and Communication Consultant, Dr Niyi Alabi says the continent's worst enemies are its development partners who always put impediments in the way to Africa unity. 

He emphasised that unless the continent detaches itself from its colonial masters, the vision and aspirations of Africa fore-fathers will not be achieved. 

For his part, a Pan-Africanist, Granfadaa' Ayitomeka, said he is surprised that leaders of the African Union did not take time to critically and scientifically examine the edifice built and donated by the Chinese as the Headquarters of the AU to know issues about security. 

He noted that in this time of scientific advancement, the AU should be conscious of the security of those who use the building, in terms of bugging and other devices. 

Grandfadaa' Ayitomeka also stated that the AU Summit was a wasteful exercise. He called on leaders of the AU to conduct referenda in their countries as to how the ordinary citizen wants to handle the problem of neo-colonialism. 

GBC