President John Dramani Mahama has urged world leaders to rethink existing global alliances, calling for a shift away from outdated rivalries toward partnerships rooted in solidarity, shared responsibility and collective progress.
Speaking at the 2026 World Governments Summit in Dubai, President Mahama said the international community stands at a critical crossroads and must redesign its cooperation frameworks to effectively respond to emerging global challenges.
He identified climate change, global insecurity, technological disruption and widening inequality as pressing threats that cut across national boundaries and cannot be addressed by countries acting alone.
“These challenges demand collaboration, not competition,” he said, stressing the importance of stronger multilateral partnerships to advance sustainable development worldwide.
President Mahama also highlighted Africa’s rising strategic relevance on the global stage, describing the continent as a centre of opportunity, innovation and future growth.
He pointed to Africa’s youthful population, vast natural resources and a market of more than 1.3 billion people as critical assets positioning the continent as a key driver of the evolving global order.
According to him, Africa must move beyond aid dependency and be fully integrated into global decision-making through partnerships that deliver transformation and mutual benefit.
Touching on Ghana’s development priorities, President Mahama outlined ongoing efforts to deepen value addition and industrialisation, including the establishment of Goldbod and initiatives aimed at processing minerals and agricultural products locally to create jobs and retain value within the economy.
He further welcomed strengthening cooperation between Ghana and the United Arab Emirates, as well as broader Africa–Gulf relations, describing them as strategic partnerships capable of accelerating trade, investment and development.
The World Governments Summit brings together global leaders, policymakers and industry experts to exchange ideas on shared challenges and shape pathways for future governance.
Story: Nyamebeye Kofi Ansah Sasraku