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The Vice President of Ghana, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has called for comprehensive global reforms to reinforce democracy during her address at the Fourth High-Level Meeting of the In Defence of Democracy Summit in Barcelona.
Representing President John Mahama, she joined world leaders, policymakers, and international organizations in discussions about the increasing threats to democratic systems, including extremism, polarization, and disinformation. The In Defence of Democracy initiative, launched at the 2024 United Nations General Assembly, provides a global platform to coordinate and strengthen democratic governance worldwide.
This year’s summit focused on three core priorities: enhancing institutions and multilateral cooperation, combating the growing influence of disinformation and digital technologies, and addressing extremism and widening inequality.
In her speech, Professor Opoku-Agyemang emphasized that defending democracy goes beyond political will—it requires strong, inclusive systems that deliver tangible results for citizens. She urged immediate action to tackle structural inequalities and reform international legal frameworks to better protect women and vulnerable groups. She also called for enhanced governance and oversight in the digital realm to combat the spread of misinformation.
A key point of her address was the need to reform the global financial system. She highlighted that many developing countries face unfair lending conditions and high interest rates, which impede their ability to invest in both development and democratic stability.
According to Professor Opoku-Agyemang, financial resources must be distributed more equitably, and global trade systems should be restructured to serve the broader public interest, rather than the few. She also celebrated Africa’s economic transformation, pointing to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a significant milestone in this effort. She noted that the AfCFTA is fostering market integration, boosting intra-African trade, creating jobs, and strengthening the continent’s resilience in a competitive global economy.
However, she stressed that regional achievements must be supported by meaningful global reforms. She called for international financial systems that are more inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the needs of developing nations.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang concluded by stressing that the future of democracy hinges on effective institutions, inclusive economic growth, and a collective global commitment to fairness and accountability.
Story by Efua Nessa
Source :Loco tv