Antwi-Danso: African federal government idea ridiculous

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An international relations expert, Dr Vladimir Antwi-Danso, has described as ridiculous efforts at establishing a federal African government.

Members of the African Union have agreed a plan to give its executive arm enhanced powers to coordinate common interest policies.

This has always been the ambition of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, who wants a United States of Africa.

The thorny issue however, is the African Authority will not be able to act internationally unless it has a mandate from heads of state.

But even before the supposed AU seen as a stepping stone towards a unified federal government is ratified by member states, international relations experts have dismissed its objectives as unrealistic and ridiculous.

Dr. Vladimir Antwi-Danso of the Legon Centre for International Affairs told Joy News African leaders have misplaced their priorities in devoting resources to the concept of a federal continent government by an elected President.

“Integration is about peoples… it's about free movement of factors of production,” he said.

He said while proponents of the idea seek an integration of the continent, it is also important to note that integration is trade-induced and that “anything that inhibits trade” must discouraged.

He cited the report of an audit called for at the instance of the AU to ascertain the preparedness of countries on the continent to establish a federal government.

“The audit report shows that there is a lot that has to be done,” he emphasized.

He said most of the recommendations of the audit report have not been done and that attempts at establishing a federal continent could hit the rocks.

Dr Antwi-Danso said Africa's governments strive towards implementing the New Economic Partnership Agreement (NEPAD), which he said, would bring closure to Africa's numerous problems.