Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has stated that democracy and the rule of law create an environment where individual freedoms are protected, innovation thrives and economic activities flourish. To that end, he has urged African leaders and governments to work towards citizen empowerment through education, and quality healthcare for general well-being. He also asked them to do so through the promotion of free enterprise and individual liberties, digitalization for transparent and efficient governance and closer cooperation. Dr Bawumia said this in a Facebook post after serving as Special Guest at the Democratic Union of Africa (DUA) Annual Forum held in Accra Friday. As African countries strive to entrench democracy on the continent, he said, it is essential to recognize the intrinsic link between democracy, rule of law and economic development.