By: Precious Miracle Kargbo
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, has called on Denmark to uphold its commitment to development aid for Africa, warning of the potential setbacks caused by global funding cuts.
His appeal came during a high-level conference in Copenhagen on March 3, 2025, organised by Save the Children and Plan International Denmark.
With major donors like USAID retracting financial support and the UK signalling possible reductions, Bah urged Danish leaders to maintain their pledge of allocating 0.7% of Gross National Income (GNI) to global development. He emphasised that international aid is not merely a policy decision but a crucial investment in human security and stability.
“Development aid is not just a policy commitment; it is a lifeline for millions,” Bah stated, drawing from his own experience growing up in post-war Sierra Leone. He cautioned against the growing narrative that pits defense spending against social investment, arguing that education and human capital development are just as vital for global stability.
Danish lawmakers responded positively, with key political figures reaffirming their dedication to sustaining the 0.7% GNI target. They pledged to prioritize education, particularly for girls, strengthen alliances within the European Union, and push for the removal of trade barriers that hinder Africa’s economic growth.
Hellen Bonnesen, MP and Foreign Affairs Spokeswoman for the Conservative Party, reinforced Denmark’s moral obligation to global development. “We must support children not because it is easy, but because it is the right thing to do,” she stated.
In a separate roundtable discussion with Danish Finance Minister Nicolai Wammen, a Global Champion for Education Cannot Wait, Bah stressed the urgent need for sustained investment in Africa’s education sector. Wammen echoed his concerns, affirming Denmark’s commitment to ensuring every child, regardless of circumstances, has access to quality education.
At a time when global development funding faces increasing uncertainty, Bah’s passionate advocacy and Denmark’s renewed commitment serve as a beacon of hope for Africa’s future. The discussions underscored the need for unwavering international solidarity to sustain progress and opportunities for millions across the continent.
