President John Dramani Mahama has called for Africa to move beyond its traditional role as a recipient of aid and external decisions and become a stronger, more influential force in global affairs.
Speaking in an interview on TRT World's Bigger Than Five programme, Mahama argued that Africa's economic independence must be matched by greater political and diplomatic influence. He said African countries need to work together to ensure the continent has 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. Mahama backed permanent African representation on the Council, saying the continent should no longer be excluded from decisions that carry 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, weaker actors.
The President linked Africa's diplomatic influence directly to economic self-reliance, arguing that countries that remain dependent on external assistance and export raw materials without adding sufficient value will struggle to exercise meaningful influence internationally.
His proposed "Accra Reset" seeks a new relationship between Africa and the rest of the world, one built on partnership, but also equality and 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 confrontation with the rest of the world, but rather building stronger economies, taking greater control of its resources, and using that strength to secure a more influential position in global affairs.
For Mahama, Africa's prosperity and its voice on the world stage are inseparable: economic independence, in his view, should ultimately give the continent greater power to shape the international system instead of simply responding to decisions made elsewhere.
