President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, has called for a fundamental reset of Africa’s development model, warning that the global system Africa once relied on is breaking down.
He made the call while addressing a high-level Davos Convening of the Accra Reset Initiative on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Switzerland on Thursday 22nd January.
GLOBAL CONTEXT
President Mahama said the world is at a critical inflection point, noting that the post-Second World War multilateral order is weakening, while international relations are becoming increasingly transactional and unilateral.
According to him, Africa cannot afford to remain on the sidelines as a new global order emerges and must insist on having a seat at the table.
AFRICA’S DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGE
The President observed that Africa has, over the decades, remained trapped in cycles of conflict, poverty, and dependence on aid and humanitarian assistance.
He stressed that shrinking global aid, rising defence spending in developed countries, and the lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic have exposed Africa’s vulnerability and the dangers of overdependence.
COVID-19 LESSON
President Mahama recalled that Africa was the last continent to receive vaccines during the pandemic, surviving largely due to the resilience of its people rather than fairness in global systems.
He described the experience as a wake-up call for Africa to build its own capacity.
THE ACCRA RESET INITIATIVE
President Mahama explained that the Accra Reset Initiative, first introduced at the United Nations General Assembly, is not another declaration or wish list.
Instead, he said it is a practical response to the questions young Africans are asking about the continent’s future in a changing global order.
GHANA AS A CASE STUDY
Using Ghana as an example, President Mahama said his government has stabilised the economy, achieved single-digit inflation, strengthened the cedi, and restored business confidence.
He noted that the turnaround proves democracy, accountability, and focused leadership can deliver results.
However, he emphasized that Ghana’s success alone is not enough and that Africa must link together its success stories.
TRIPLE DEPENDENCY WARNING
The President warned that Africa is trapped in what he described as a triple dependency-reliance on others for security, dependence on donors for health and education, and exporting critical minerals without capturing value.
He described the situation as a sovereignty trap that must be broken.
KEY PILLARS OF THE RESET
President Mahama outlined five key priorities under the Accra Reset:
• Investing in practical skills that match real jobs
• Building together through regional manufacturing and infrastructure
• Negotiating as a bloc on minerals, trade, and climate finance
• Producing more goods at home, including vaccines and technology
• Strengthening accountability and fighting corruption
CALL FOR PARTNERSHIP
He stressed that Africa is not asking for charity but proposing a new partnership based on mutual respect, where Global South countries co-design solutions with partners from the Global North.
VISION FOR THE FUTURE
President Mahama said the ultimate goal is to create opportunities at home so young Africans no longer risk their lives migrating in search of survival.
He called on leaders and partners to support the Accra Reset, saying the initiative is building momentum and no longer seeking permission.
President Mahama concluded by challenging global and African leaders to find the courage to build a fairer and more inclusive global system, with Africa as an equal partner.
Listen to President Mahama in this audio👇🏾 :
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️)/Ahotoronline.com | Ghana 🇬🇭