President of Ghana to Speak at LU

UPDATE (Sept. 16): Due to unforeseen circumstances, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana, will be unable to visit campus on Saturday, Sept. 25. He will, however, reschedule his visit at a later date. 

The President of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will deliver an address on African policy, opportunity and the Christian worldview Saturday, Sept. 25.

Akufo-Addo, in an event hosted by the School of Business, will speak to students, faculty and the public in the concert hall within the Center for Music and Worship Arts. In his address, he will discuss the necessity of a strong relationship between the U.S. and African countries. He will promote economic growth opportunities and the benefits of investing in African businesses. He will also introduce the new African Business Center under the School of Business, in which African heads of state and American business leaders can collaborate on matters of economic development in Africa. 

“These types of events will open the door for students to better understand the international sphere, geo-politics and economic and outreach opportunities in Africa,” said Dean Dave Brat of the School of Business. 

This will be Akufo-Addo’s first visit to Liberty’s campus. He planned to participate in the School of Business’ Equity for Africa summit in April, but he had to withdraw at the last minute because of a pressing matter.

According to Brat, Liberty’s Christian backbone has allowed connections like this to flourish.

“Most of this is only possible because of the reputation Liberty has, being one of the major Christian universities in the world, which has a clear-cut reputation for ‘Training Champions for Christ,’” Brat said. “Over time, I think we are going to see more of this. A commitment to God and Christ matters at the highest levels of the world.”

During the upcoming address at Liberty, Afuko-Addo will speak on the unification of his Christian worldview with his decision making as a nation leader.

An economist and lawyer by education, Afuko-Addo has been in the political sphere since the 70s, served as attorney general and foreign minister and has been the president of Ghana since 2017. He has championed for democracy and economic development in his country, and, at the same time, been outspoken about his Christian faith.

According to Brat, this is just the beginning of what is to come for Liberty’s relationships with leading Christian and African business partners. In August, the School of Business welcomed three Nigerian businessmen among the over 300 CEOs at the Networking the Nations Summit, a three-day, faith-based business conference. Brat is looking forward to welcoming more heads of state in the near future.

“Regardless of your politics, I think God looks favorably on those who reach out to their brothers and sisters to find win-win opportunities in friendship and faith,” Brat said.

Hale is the editor-in-chief. Follow her on Twitter at @HaleJacquelineR.