Africa cannot continue to be seen only as a recipient of aid and external decisions, President John Dramani Mahama has said, insisting the continent must become a stronger and more influential force in global affairs.
Speaking in an interview on TRT World’s Bigger Than Five programme, President Mahama argued that Africa’s push for economic independence must be matched by greater political and diplomatic influence.
He wants countries on the continent to work together to secure a stronger voice in institutions that shape global policy.
A key part of his argument is the need for greater African representation in global decision-making, particularly at the United Nations Security Council.
President Mahama supports permanent African representation on the Council, insisting that the continent should no longer be excluded from decisions that have major consequences for its people.
He also urged African states to develop common positions on major international issues so they can negotiate collectively rather than as individual and weaker actors.
President Mahama linked Africa’s diplomatic influence directly to economic self-reliance, noting that countries which remain dependent on external assistance and continue to export raw materials without adding value will struggle to exercise meaningful influence internationally.
His proposed “Accra Reset” therefore seeks a new relationship between Africa and the rest of the world that is built on partnership, equality and the promotion of African interests.“We don’t reject partnerships, but those partnerships must be on our terms,” Mahama said.
He stressed that Africa’s goal should not be isolation or confrontational with the rest of the world, but rather build stronger economies and take greater control of its resources and using that strength to secure a more influential place in global affairs.
For President Mahama, Africa’s prosperity and its voice on the world stage are inseparable, with economic independence ultimately giving the continent greater power to shape the international system rather than merely responding to decisions made elsewhere.
Economic emancipation is Africa’s next battle after political independence – Mahama
