Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has underscored the need for African countries to strengthen their economic foundations, arguing that the protection of cultural identity and national values depends largely on economic self-reliance.

Delivering remarks on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama at the Fourth Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values, Mr Debrah said genuine sovereignty extends beyond culture and politics to include the ability of nations to sustain their own development.

He noted that countries that can independently fund critical sectors, guarantee food availability and provide accessible, high-quality education are better positioned to make decisions free from external pressures.

Mr Debrah stressed that discussions on preserving cultural heritage must be accompanied by concrete measures aimed at building resilient and self-sustaining economies.

He further advocated policies that promote local manufacturing, empower indigenous enterprises, expand intra-African commerce and place the continent’s development priorities at the centre of economic planning.

According to him, advancing economic independence is essential not only for growth and prosperity but also for safeguarding Africa’s values, institutions and long-term interests.

“A sovereign nation must be capable of feeding its people, educating its children, protecting its vulnerable, creating opportunities for its youth, and financing its own development priorities

“Across Africa, our citizens do not judge sovereignty by the speeches we make; they judge it by whether the lights stay on, whether jobs are available, whether schools educate, whether hospitals heal, and whether governments keep their promises. The ultimate expression of sovereignty is the capacity of a nation to solve the problems of its people,” he said.

“We must build economies capable of supporting the social systems we seek to protect. We must strengthen domestic production, support African enterprises, expand regional trade, and create pathways to prosperity that are anchored in our own priorities and realities,” he added.