Ghana’s Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, has delivered a stirring and forward-looking address at the Futures Forum held at the London School of Economics (LSE), calling on Africa’s youth, leaders, and development partners to co-create a continent rooted in unity, innovation, and visionary leadership.

Dr. Boamah, an alumnus of the prestigious institution, captivated the international audience with what was described as an “exciting and intellectually rigorous” presentation that emphasised Africa’s agency in reshaping global security and economic paradigms.

“Africa stands at a defining crossroads. Not of crisis, but of possibility,” he declared. “In a world where global security is being reimagined, Africa must not sit on the sidelines—we must shape the future we deserve.”

The Defence Minister pointed to existing frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as critical tools for shared prosperity, job creation, and homegrown innovation, insisting that these mechanisms must be fully implemented and not left as mere legal text.

Central to Dr. Boamah’s message was a call for investment in technology and digital skills to prepare Africa’s youth for the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy.

He highlighted Ghana’s One Million Coders’ Programme, championed by President John Dramani Mahama and led by another LSE alumnus, Minister Sam George.

The initiative seeks to equip young Ghanaians with critical digital skills in:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Engineering

Cybersecurity

Data Protection

Software Engineering in multiple programming languages “Let us imagine—and work toward—an Africa where young men and women no longer flee bomb-struck streets, but walk freely into classrooms that inspire them to think, lead, and dream without fear,” he said.

Dr. Boamah also urged African governments to align their national budgets with the needs of their people, viewing public services such as education and healthcare as investments in peace and human capital, rather than mere expenditures.

He challenged international partners to reimagine their roles—not just as donors, but as co-creators of long-term, transformative change that tackles the structural challenges facing the continent.

“Let us create systems where communities shape their own security... not as slogans, but as the fertile soil in which innovation and leadership can truly grow,” he noted, referencing SDG 16 on peace, justice, and strong institutions.

Dr. Boamah concluded his address with a rousing call for continental unity and solidarity, underscoring the importance of African-led solutions to global challenges such as climate change, terrorism, and digital transformation.

“Africa must unite. Africa will unite. And together, we will build the Africa We Want,” he affirmed. “Let’s get to work—Come home, let us build the Africa We Want.”

The address received widespread praise from participants, including faculty, students, and global development partners, many of whom commended Dr. Boamah for his bold vision and clarity of purpose.

Among them was his former lecturer, Lucy, who expressed pride in his accomplishments and growth.