Gyimah-Boadi advises African countries to invest in Chinese studies

By Isabella Gyau Orhin

African countries have been advised to invest some money in China studies in order to deal with that country effectively and efficiently.
An advisor to the German Government on the African Initiative Prof Gyimah –
Boadi said this in an interview after the third German/Europe –African Dialogue on Development cooperation in Ebarbach near Wiesbaden in Germany.
“We need to learn the Chinese language, understand Chinese culture and politics,” Prof, Gyimah- Boadi who is the Executive Director of the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development. (CDD) said.
He said Africans know the British and the Americans to some extent and this makes it easier in dealing with them.
For instance he said Africans have studied in British schools, have intermarriages with the British people and understands their language.

“When it comes to China, we don’t know them,
They have studied us and know us and that is why they are coming to us,” he said.
He said the Chinese relationship with African countries in recent years has brought some competition in African trade relations with the rest of the World.
“Suddenly Europe and America has to compete with China over Africa,” he said adding,
“If you have something to sell and there are many buyers it is fine,” he said.
Prof. Gyimah-Boadi said the question now is whether African countries will be able to make the good choices.
“This is a question that should be answered by only Africa and not Europe or America,” he said.
Prof. Gyimah-Boadi further explained that.
He said Europeans did not come to Africa as missionaries and charity givers and the same thing applies to china. He all these investors have business interests which Africa must watch cautiously.
Speaking on the relevance of the Summit itself, Prof. Gyimah -Boadi said the forum gave the opportunity for Africa to tap the brains of some of its sons and daughters who for some reasons are not living in their countries.
He said although the German President Mr. Horst Kohler has no decision making powers, he has persuasive skills which help to change the mind of his people towards African issues.
At a press conference after the summit, the summit, the German President Mr. Kohler Europeans and other Western n leaders to refrain from what he termed “teaching Africans lessons.”
“They know what the problems are,” he said.

The Nigerian Mr. Musa Yar’adua said the partnership with Africa forum discussed freely and frankly issues about Africa’s relationship with Europe.
He said issues like under-development, ignorance, peace conflict within the context of globalization are human problems and not African problems.
On the Economic Partnership Agreements, Mr.Yar’ adua said ECOWAS is not divided over the signing of the agreement. He said what is being discussed is being discussed at the regional level and hopefully decisions would be reached.
The Nigerian President said the ultimate aim of the partnership is human development.
The President of Benin Thomas Boni Yayi said Africa would like to keep its relationship with Europe in spite of the disagreements on the signing of the EPAs.
“We are continuing our negotiations and dialogue,” he said.
The President of Botswana Festus G. Mogae on his part said it is important for African governments to establish enabling Environments for private Sector Development.

The President of Mozambique, Amando Guebuza said it is wrong for people to refer to the whole of Africa as a country when indeed Africa is a continent.
He said the African Union establishes the mechanism that allow Africans to move ahead and demonstrate democratic, human rights and press freedom principles.
The President of Madagascar Mr. Marc Ralvomanana on his part said Africans should build their capacity in terms of leadership and negotiation.
“It is important for Africa to choose good leaders based on mutual trust.”