Africa must stop the blame game - Farida Bedwei

Farida Bedwei, a software engineer and author, has pleaded with Ghanaians to stop pointing accusing fingers at government whenever they face challenges but rather be innovative.

Madam Bedwei made this statement at the TEDxAccra summit held Saturday, April 11, 2015 at main auditorium of the National Theatre under the theme: “The Next Chapter”.

Farida Bedwei, who has been living with the Cerebral Palsy Disorder her whole life said “difficult times should force us [Africans] to be innovative and do everything within our power to ensure such situations do not recur”.

Consequently, Madam Bedwei advised Ghanaians to eschew what she described as the “blame game” and be industrious at all times. This, she believes, could enhance Africa's fragile economy.

She added, “Ghanaians must stand up and fight against economic problems. The over reliance on government, for me, is not the best because there are certain issues that could be addressed without government’s involvement.

“…And in moving forward we must also make good use of technology to transform lives, for we are the only people who can solve our problems within the shortest possible time.”

On his part, renowned broadcaster Nathaniel Anokye Adisi popularly known as Bola Ray encouraged the youth to be resilient and pursue their dreams in the face of growing challenges.

Bola Ray, who currently manages several radio stations, including Starr 103.5 FM, Kasapa 102.4 FM, Live 91.9FM and a host of others disclosed how he resisted several frustrations to achieve success.

“…When I attempted to have my national service with Radio Univers, I was told in the face that I couldn’t do my national service with a radio station, but I persevered and it eventually paid off”.

Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond, author of the novel ‘Powder Necklace’ who took her turn to address the audience said Africa needs people who are “very innovative and desperate to succeed”.

In her estimation, slavery, colonialism and neocolonialism have had both positive and negative impacts on Africans hence the need for Africans to work hard and rise to the top. Making a reference to the credentials of investigative journalists Anas Aremeyaw Anas, she urged Ghanaian journalists to highlight what she termed as pressing social matters rather than focusing on politics.

Mr. Charles Buckman, an entrepreneur, on his part gave possible solutions as to how Africa can solve its own problems. He urged African leaders to promote rule of law and good governance in their respective countries and must rise and be the best among the rest.

Actor, Mr John Apea said Africa must write its own narratives and build upon them because they can change the entertainment industry. He stressed on encouraging technology in entertainment and education explaining how internet can be used as a powerful tool to reach out to a wider audience.

Other speakers at the event were Kafui dey, Gena West, Maame Yaa Boafo ,Nana Ekua Brew Hammond, Robert Ebo Hinson, Selorm Adadevoh, Yaw Opoku, Sheila Aboagye and Jane Afia Awindor.