George Ayittey

George Ayittey is a prominent Ghanaian economist and professor at American University in Washington, D.C.. In his books, papers, and speeches, Ayittey argues that Africa is oppressed by a permanent ruling class that seeks only to enrich themselves at the expense of their people. Ayittey calls these rulers "rats" and "vampires" who are not concerned with lifting their nations out of poverty, but instead providing themselves with access to the coffers of their impoverished nations.

Fast Facts:

1. College Education: B.Sc., University of Ghana, 1969
2. Graduate Education: M.A., University of Western Ontario, 1971; Ph.D., University of Manitoba, 1981
3. Employer: American University, Department of Economics
4. Phone: (202) 885-3779
5. Fax: (202) 885-3790

Books

• 1991: Indigenous African Institutions
• 1992: Africa Betrayed, Won H.L. Mencken Award for Best Book
• 1997: The Blueprint for Ghana's Economic Recovery
• 1998: Africa in Chaos
• 2005: Africa Unchained: The Blueprint for Development

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