A former Tanzanian President, Benjamin William Mkapa, has applauded the decision of the Heads of States of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), to introduce a universally accepted biometric passport for its citizens.
According to him, it is a step in the right direction required to facilitate the free movement of citizens and goods across borders in line with the ECOWAS protocol treaty.
He was speaking at the 5th African Leadership Lectures (ALL) organised by the University for Development Studies (UDS) in Tamale.
Benjamin William Mkapa delivered a lecture on the theme: “African Development from Freedom to Union.”
As a Guest speaker for the three days event, he focused on resistance against colonization and empire building as African development, self-determination and independence.
The UDS Vice Chancellor, Professor Gabriel Ayum-Teye, explained the event’s rationale, saying, “It is the conviction of the university that African leaders have the opportunity and the resources to transform the continent by pursuing prudent scientific and development policies as well as nurturing indigenous talents.”
“The UDS also holds the view that, African leaders can transform their individual nations and the continent by recognizing and harnessing the contributions of experts and individuals inside and outside their national universities.”
Professor Ayum-Teye stressed, “There is the need for deep reflection on the sort of leaders the continent requires in line with Africa’s quest to achieve internal integration and become a key player in global affairs: The continent requires innovative leaders and thinkers who will drive its development and growth.
According to him, the UDS created the African Leadership Lectures platform to subject the issues of leadership and development in Africa to critical thinking.
The African Leadership Lectures was launched in 2012 with the intention to contribute to a national and transnational discourse on productive leadership culture that will support and enhance African development.
It also seeks to facilitate and create an environment for discourse and action on leadership, inspire positive and innovative leadership and as well stimulate and initiate a platform for action on constructive leadership in Ghana and Africa.
Since 2012, former African Heads of States including Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, Festus Mogae, Botswana, Joaquim Alberto Chissano, Mozambique and Hifikepunye Lucas Pohamba of Namibia have been Guest Speakers.
The UDS began academic work in September 1993 with only 39 students in the Faculty of Agriculture, (FOA), Nyankpala campus.
The university can now boast of several faculties including that of Integrated Development Studies, (FIDS), Planning and Land Management, Education, Renewable Natural Resources, Applied Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, the Graduate School, School of Business and School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
The UDS has four satellite campuses in Tamale, Nyankpala, Wa and Navrongo with some struggling for autonomy.
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