President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana has urged world leaders to create more economic opportunities for the youth. He made this call at an Open Society Foundation presidential roundtable on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. The President emphasized the need for expanding economic, digital, and structural opportunities for young people. This appeal comes as the international development landscape faces severe disruption, with countries in the Global South dealing with mounting debt pressures.
According to President Mahama, despite the current turmoil and challenges, opportunities for innovation and reform remain. He noted that in times of disruption and chaos, new ideas and partnerships are born. The President stressed that this is a critical moment to create jobs, improve public services, build infrastructure, and expand opportunities, especially for young people. He highlighted the need for countries like Ghana to strengthen their ability to pursue these priorities with greater confidence and continuity.
President Mahama mentioned that Africa has already defined its long-term strategic pathway through Agenda 2063. This framework focuses on building productive economies, robust institutions, deeper regional integration, expanded opportunities, and a stronger African voice in global affairs. To achieve these ambitions, the President emphasized that Africa's leaders must immediately strengthen institutions, financing capabilities, and delivery systems. This will enable the continent to make progress towards its development goals.
The President also discussed the "Accra Reset" Initiative, which addresses the need for nations to act with greater urgency and self-reliance in a shifting global context. This initiative aims to redefine the relationship between countries and their international partners. President Mahama emphasized the importance of sovereignty, which he defined as the capacity to act and set priorities. He noted that countries need to be able to negotiate effectively, mobilize resources, and follow through on their decisions.
President Mahama acknowledged that Ghana still faces significant progress to make in exercising full ownership over its development trajectory. He identified areas for improvement, including stronger coordination across government, better preparation of programs and projects, and greater domestic resource mobilization. The President also stressed the need for sound financial management and institutions that can demonstrate clear results. He emphasized the importance of leveraging capabilities outside government, including civil society, business, academia, and local communities.
Concerning international partners and philanthropic organizations, President Mahama urged global institutions to shift from short-term programs to long-term capability building. He questioned whether international cooperation can do more to build national capability and work through local systems. The President also called on foundations to use their unique flexibility to fund public goods and institutional capacity where commercial finance cannot. He noted that foundations have room to operate differently and support institutional capability, early program development, and social priorities.
President Mahama highlighted the vital role of philanthropy in health, education, governance, and research across Africa. He encouraged foundations to support long-term financing models and public systems. The President emphasized that where an approach proves successful, the next step should be its adoption into public systems, local delivery institutions, and long-term financing models. This, he believes, will help create a more sustainable and impactful development trajectory for Africa.
Key points
- President Mahama urges world leaders to expand economic opportunities for youth.
- Africa has defined its long-term strategic pathway through Agenda 2063.
- The "Accra Reset" Initiative aims to redefine the relationship between countries and their international partners.
