For James Gyakye Quayson, Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Morocco is charting the course for an Africa that is emancipating itself, embracing its own values, and building its development "the African way,” far from imposed models and sterile comparisons with the West. He calls for an "African renaissance” based on education, culture, and continental cooperation.
At MEDays 2025, Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, James Gyakye Quayson, delivered a strong appeal for an Africa that fully embraces its values, models, and priorities.According to him, Morocco plays a leading role in Africa’s intellectual, diplomatic, and strategic transformation."King Mohammed VI has done remarkable work in supporting this forum, bringing together ideas, visions, and talent. He is not simply inviting Africa here — he is assuming leadership,” he said.
The minister also highlighted the exceptional educational cooperation between Rabat and Accra:"Morocco offers scholarships to young Ghanaians. We went from 70 to 120 students. We hope to reach 200 per year. Our youth study here in a country that values its culture and traditions.”
Rethinking the African educational model
For James Gyakye Quayson, one of the continent’s greatest tools for transformation is education. He pointed out a paradox:"Since independence in 1957, our educational system in Ghana has been written… by others. We study a model that does not reflect who we are.”
He explained that the new Ghanaian government is launching a complete overhaul of the school curriculum, to integrate African values, realities, and ambitions."If we continue to measure our success according to Western standards, we will always think we are ‘behind’. But behind compared to whom? Africa must move forward at its own pace, with its own priorities and values.”
The minister also emphasized the importance of culture as a foundation of social stability:"Culture teaches us to love ourselves, to protect ourselves. Some wealthy countries have lost that.”
He then cited Morocco as an example of a modern country that has preserved its fundamentals:"I see here tradition — a living culture. Morocco is modernizing without losing its identity.”
Africa must trade with itself
James Gyakye Quayson recalled that African economic integration depends first on infrastructure. Traveling the road between Casablanca and Tangier, he said he was impressed:"Highways, fast trains, an organized and built country. Morocco shows what a coherent vision can achieve. Africa must draw inspiration from this.”
He called for the development of African road and air networks capable of connecting people and facilitating trade:"Intra-African trade is too low. We need to produce, transport, and exchange among ourselves.”
For James Gyakye Quayson, one thing is clear:"If we keep chasing the West, we will never catch up. Africa must move forward in its own way, according to its own values. That is true independence.”