President John Dramani Mahama, has shared in the suffering of the African youth, saying the lack of development in their respective jurisdictions has brought nothing but frustration.
“Our youth are tired and frustrated at the lack of opportunities to realize their dreams and aspirations,” he said whilst speaking at the 2025 Africa Prosperity Dialogues in Accra Sunday, February 02, 2025.
According to Mahama, the democratic governance practiced in Africa was supposed to provide relief for the citizens, particularly, the youth, but has failed to achieve so, leaving them in despair.
“Our decision to embrace democratic governance was supposed to yield a dividend that would improve the lives of our people and bring prosperity to all. Unfortunately, progress has been sluggish and intangible,” he lamented.
He has therefore urged African leaders to strengthen institutions to ensure its citizens, especially the youth, get the needed economic prosperity.
John Mahama underscored the need to prioritise good governance, transparency, and accountability to ensure Africa’s economic prosperity.
He stressed the critical roles of stability, predictable policies, and the rule of law in attracting investors and ensuring sustainable economic growth.
“Investors and businesses thrive where there is stability, predictable policies, and the rule of law,” he stated.
He wants African leaders to instill economic growth, attract investment, and expand employment opportunities for young people to restore faith in democratic and constitutional governance.
In that quest, he highlighted on key indices like strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring free and fair elections, and fighting corruption as essential steps towards achieving the goals.
“We must reaffirm our commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections. We must also fight corruption, which robs our nations of resources needed for development,” he urged.
John Mahama also stressed that economic growth cannot be sustained in an environment of instability, stressing the need for peace and security across the continent.
“As leaders, we must promote peace and security, as economic growth is impossible in times of conflict,” he noted.
My priority is to meet the aspirations of Ghanaian youth – NYA boss