By Ebi Kesiena
Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo has declared that Africa is the greatest victim of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Speaking at Ukraine’s peace summit in Switzerland, Akufo-Addo emphasized how the invasion has significantly impacted food security in poorer countries.
“The consequences of the invasion go far beyond the confines of Europe. Indeed, in many ways, Africa has been the greatest victim,” Akufo-Addo stated in his closing remarks.
He urged Russia and China to engage in peace talks to end the conflict, highlighting the global repercussions of the war.
Akufo-Addo also condemned “great power hegemony and the bullying of small states by big powers,” aligning Ghana’s stance against Russia’s invasion and acts of aggression.
The Switzerland peace summit, held on June 16, drew participation from 80 countries, including Ukraine, and four European institutions.
Over 100 countries and organizations attended, though some notable absentees from the list of signatories included India, Armenia, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Indonesia, Bahrain, Colombia, South Africa, Thailand, Mexico, and the United Arab Emirates, while Beijing did not send representatives,
Also, Ukrainian President Zelensky’s called for China to join in developing peace proposals.
“China could help us, Ukraine never said that China is our enemy. I always say that Ukraine has only one enemy, Putin’’ Zelensky told reporters, acknowledging its close ties with the Kremlin but clarifying that throughout the full-scale invasion, Russia has relied on sales of oil and other hydrocarbons to China and India as primary sources of funding for its state budget and war effort.
