Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang calls for fairer global financial systems in Shanghai

Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has called for a fundamental restructuring of international institutions to ensure fairer global financial arrangements and stronger representation for developing nations. Speaking at the 2026 Global South Academic Forum in Shanghai, China, the Vice President emphasized that the current multilateral system must evolve to better serve the interests of the Global South. She underscored that for global cooperation to be effective, it must be grounded in mutual learning and respect for the unique socio-economic circumstances of individual countries.

During her address, Professor Opoku-Agyemang reflected on the historical struggles faced by developing nations and the persistent challenges posed by rapid globalization and technological shifts. She argued that political parties and state institutions must continuously adapt to meet the changing aspirations of their citizens. By advocating for a "better multilateralism," she highlighted the need for a collaborative framework that moves beyond traditional power dynamics to create more equitable opportunities for growth and stability across the African continent and the wider Global South.

In addition to her plenary address, the Vice President engaged in high-level discussions with the Forum Chair, Professor Lu Xinyu, regarding rural development models. The conversation centered on rural revitalization and poverty reduction strategies, specifically focusing on community-driven development, local governance, and infrastructure. Professor Opoku-Agyemang expressed significant interest in how China’s rural development models could be adapted to the Ghanaian context, stressing that effective governance must be supported by rigorous, research-based policies to ensure sustainable improvements in the lives of rural populations.

The Vice President’s visit underscores the government’s commitment to South-South cooperation as a vital vehicle for national development. By exploring successful development strategies and building academic and political alliances in Shanghai, the administration aims to share and adapt best practices in poverty reduction and infrastructure management. This engagement at the Global South Academic Forum is expected to inform future policy directions as Ghana seeks to strengthen its position within the international community and enhance its domestic developmental framework.