SYPALA: Our passion will determine how we overcome obstacles – Kwabena Donkor to African leaders

‎Former Minister of Power and energy policy expert, Dr. Kwabena Donkor, has urged Africans to develop a strong passion for the continent’s development, saying passion is essential to overcoming the obstacles that hinder progress.
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‎Speaking at the Students and Young Professionals African Liberty Academy (SYPALA) 2026, on Wednesday August 26, where he led a conversation on “Powering Africa: Will Clean Energy Transition Deliver Africa’s Manufacturing Future? What Is Africa Missing?”

SYPALA which stands for the Students and Young Professionals African Liberty Academy, is an annual educational program run by the IMANI Center for Policy and Education.

He said Africa has the resources and potential to develop, but the level of commitment to achieving that development remains critical.
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‎According to him, Africa’s development will not happen automatically but will require deliberate efforts and a strong commitment from its people.
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‎“Development does not happen by accident; it is not accidental. It arises out of a series of processes. And therefore, in order to carry out development, in order to develop this continent, we must be very passionate about it,” he said.
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‎“For those of us who probably had the fortune or misfortune, depending on how you see it, of also schooling outside Ghana I schooled largely in the United Kingdom you will realize that there is absolutely no reason why Africa should be underdeveloped. The difference is passion. How passionate are we about our development?” he asked.
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‎Dr. Donkor said passion would determine how Africans respond to challenges and obstacles in the pursuit of development.
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‎“Our passion will determine how we overcome obstacles,” he said, stressing that development would require people who are willing to make sacrifices and remain committed despite difficulties.
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‎Dr. Donkor, who is a seasoned energy and public policy professional, served as Minister of Power and previously as Chief Executive of the Petroleum Commission and the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company.