Rawlings Angry At Discrimination Against Africa

ACCRA, Ghana (PANA) Ghana's President Rawlings has expressed frustration and anger at the rampant discrimination against Africa by the Western world when it comes to helping the continent consolidate peace and security for the development of its peoples.

"But when it comes to sapping our resources, they are the experts," he said Friday at meeting with the Singapore High Commissioner to Ghana, Foo Kok Swee.

Rawlings cited developments in Sierra Leone, saying it is painful that the gains brought about through the hard work and sacrifice of the people are beginning to suffer reverses.

He expressed regret that the international community did not do enough to assist efforts of the sub-region to consolidate peace in that country.

"Sadly, we only hear of the international community wanting to move only into situations where peace has been achieved at the expense of other small countries...You can't keep peace if you don't make it."

Rawlings said those big Western countries who waste no time in dissipating huge resources on wars in countries elsewhere, should have assisted ECOWAS' mediation efforts to block out some of the antecedents that led to the current upheaval in Sierra Leone.

He called for collective efforts to get the message across that Africa, which is "the cradle of humanity," is not getting the needed help from the world.