President John Dramani Mahama has called for a fundamental shift in Africa’s relationship with the rest of the world, urging the continent to move away from economic dependency and towards greater self-reliance, economic sovereignty and influence in global decision-making.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Ghida Fakhry on Bigger Than Five, President Mahama outlined his vision for what he describes as an “Accra Reset” a new approach aimed at giving African countries greater control over their resources and economic destiny.
President Mahama argued that Africa must move beyond the export of raw materials and focus on processing its resources locally to create jobs, build industries and retain more wealth on the continent.
He cited Ghana’s ambition to process its cocoa and mineral resources locally by 2030 as part of efforts to transform the country from a raw-material exporter into a value-added economy.
“We don’t reject partnerships, but those partnerships must be on our terms,” President Mahama said, stressing that greater African self-reliance should not be interpreted as a rejection of international cooperation.
He added that “Africa’s prosperity is not a threat to anybody,” arguing that the continent’s economic transformation should be viewed as an opportunity for mutually beneficial partnerships rather than a challenge to global powers.
Push for Reparations
President Mahama also renewed the case for reparations over the transatlantic slave trade, stressing that the issue should go beyond financial compensation.
According to him, the reparations debate should also focus on acknowledgement, justice and healing, particularly in addressing the historical injustices suffered by Africans and people of African descent.
Africa’s Voice at the UN
The President further called for reforms to the United Nations Security Council, arguing that its current structure does not adequately reflect the realities of the modern world.
He advocated permanent African representation on the Security Council, saying the continent must have a stronger voice in decisions affecting global peace, security and development.
President Mahama also urged African countries to speak with a common voice on major international issues if the continent is to increase its influence in global affairs.
Gaza and Global Justice
The President also addressed the war in Gaza, describing the situation as genocide and criticising what he considers double standards in the application of international justice.
“As long as we continue to distort justice, depending on who it is, we’ll continue to live a lie,” he said.
He argued that a fairer global order requires the consistent application of international law and principles of justice, regardless of the countries or actors involved.
Africa’s Youth and the Future
Reflecting on Africa’s future, President Mahama pointed to the continent’s youthful population and technological advances as key opportunities for accelerating development.
He said African countries must leverage their young populations and technology to overcome traditional economic barriers and create new pathways for growth.
He also highlighted Ghana’s democratic experience, including peaceful transitions of power, as an example of how stable democratic institutions can provide a foundation for sustainable development in West Africa.
Ultimately, President Mahama framed leadership as a responsibility that must be passed from one generation to another, urging Africa’s leaders to create conditions that enable the continent’s youth to take advantage of emerging opportunities.
His message was anchored on a broader call for Africans to take greater control of their resources, economies and collective future while engaging the rest of the world through partnerships based on equality and mutual benefit.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️)/ Presidential Affairs Correspondent | Ghana 🇬🇭