Kufuor back from South African book launch

Accra, Aug.15,GNA - Former President John Agyekum Kufuor returned home from Johannesburg, South Africa, Saturday night, where he launched a 4000-page book on Africa's under-development and what steps could be taken to remedy it.

'Why Africa is Poor and What Africans Can Do About It' was written by Dr. Greg Mills, Executive Director of the Brenthurst Foundation of the Oppenheimer and Son Group.

Mr. Kufuor who is a director of the board of the Foundation described the book as unique in that it does not only raise criticisms but offers practical ways to solve them, according to statement a signed by Mr Frank Agyekum,Spokesman of the Former President.

"He recommended it to policy makers, politicians, academicians and all interested in Africa's development".

The statement said Former President Kufuor was later Guest of Honour at a dinner hosted for him at the Oppenheimer family home, a sprawling estate which includes the Oppenheimer Brenthurst Library, believed to contain one of the largest collections of literally works on Africa worldwide.

'Why Africa is Poor and What Africans Do About It' is in three parts: The first part examines why African states have done comparatively badly.

For a variety of undergirding explanations, it concludes that the overwhelming reason why this is so is because of bad policy decisions.

"Correspondingly, where African states have done much better, better policy and leadership, stronger and improved democracy have gone hand in hand"

The second aspect focuses on why some countries outside of Africa have done well (in terms of human development and economic growth).

The Third part looks at the tremendous opportunities present now to Africa in terms of demographic dividend and demand for its resources, the statement said.