Former President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, addressed a presidential roundtable organised by the Open Society Foundation in New York on September 21, 2026. The event, held on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly, brought together presidents and chief executives of major global foundations. Mahama emphasized that despite the current turmoil in the global order, opportunities for innovation and reform remain. He stressed the need for countries to create jobs, improve public services, and expand opportunities, especially for young people.
According to President Mahama, the international development landscape is rapidly evolving, with countries in the Global South facing mounting debt pressures. He noted that Africa has defined its long-term strategic pathway through Agenda 2063, which focuses on building productive economies, robust institutions, and deeper regional integration. Mahama emphasized that the continent's leaders must strengthen institutions, financing capabilities, and delivery systems to achieve these ambitions. He highlighted the importance of a stronger African voice in global affairs.
President Mahama discussed the "Accra Reset" Initiative, which addresses the need for nations to act with greater urgency and self-reliance in a shifting global context. The initiative aims to redefine the relationship between countries and international partners. Mahama emphasized the importance of sovereignty, which he defined as the capacity to act and set priorities. He noted that Ghana still has significant progress to make in exercising full ownership over its development trajectory.
Mahama identified several areas where Ghana needs to improve, including coordination across government, better preparation of programs and projects, and greater domestic resource mobilisation. He stressed the need to leverage capabilities outside government, including civil society, business, academia, and local communities. Mahama urged global institutions to shift from short-term programs to long-term capability building.
The former President called on international partners and philanthropic organisations to support national capability and work through local systems. He asked if international cooperation can reduce unnecessary duplication while protecting accountability. Mahama highlighted the vital role of philanthropy in health, education, governance, and research across Africa.
President Mahama urged foundations to use their unique flexibility to fund public goods and institutional capacity where commercial finance cannot. He concluded that foundations have room to operate differently and support institutional capability, early program development, and social priorities. Mahama emphasized that successful approaches should be adopted into public systems, local delivery institutions, and long-term financing models.
In conclusion, President Mahama's address emphasized the need for expanded opportunities for youth and stronger global partnerships. He stressed that countries must create jobs, improve public services, and build infrastructure to achieve these goals. The "Accra Reset" Initiative aims to promote self-reliance and a more balanced relationship with international partners.
Key points
- Former President John Dramani Mahama calls for expanded opportunities for youth and stronger global partnerships at a presidential roundtable in New York.
- Mahama emphasizes the need for countries to create jobs, improve public services, and expand opportunities, especially for young people.
- The "Accra Reset" Initiative aims to promote self-reliance and a more balanced relationship with international partners.
