Ghana must take difficult decisions to develop - Tony Blair

“Ghana has got big challenges; challenges around budget deficit, challenges around the power sector, challenges around agriculture, education, industrialisation...but this country has huge potential. It’s got resources that it can develop and exploit. What is necessary is that it sets the country on the right path, to take difficult decisions and improve the lives of the people”.

That’s according to Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair who is in the country upon the invitation of Think Tank, Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA).

He made the remarks in a lecture delivered at the Ambassador Birgit Storgaard Dialogue Centre, IEA in Accra on the theme “Governance and Development in Africa”.

The Former British PM explained that Ghana must take advantage of the goodwill it enjoys in the international community and also make good use of its enormous resources.

He also indicated his preparedness to help Ghana overcome its challenge and help in her development.

Tony Blair served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland for ten years during which time he prioritised the African continent.

Since leaving office in 2007, he has used his African Governance Institute (AGI) to support and improve governance on the continent.

Tony Blair revealed he was confident about Ghana’s ability to overcome its challenges and urged Ghanaians to be optimistic about Ghana’s opportunities to develop.

“I am very confident about Ghana, the Ghanaian people should be confident about the country, and right now is the moment for understanding that potential and developing it. And knowing that whatever the challenges there is a genuine opportunity and the right focus is there.”

Tony Blair as part of his visit to Ghana, met President Akufo-Addo at the Flagstaff House to discuss matters of common interest.