President John Dramani Mahama has called for greater investment in jobs, infrastructure and youth opportunities as African countries confront mounting debt pressures and disruptions to the international development system.
Speaking at a presidential roundtable organised by the Open Society Foundations in New York on Monday, September 21, Mr Mahama said the changing global environment presents challenges but also creates room for new partnerships and approaches to development.
The meeting, held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, brought together presidents and chief executives of major global philanthropic organisations.
“In all the disruption and chaos are born new ideas and partnerships,” President Mahama said. “This is when we must create jobs for our people, improve public services, build infrastructure, and expand opportunity, especially for our young people.”
He argued that Ghana and other countries in the Global South must strengthen their capacity to pursue national priorities despite changes in international financing and development cooperation.
Africa Must Build Capacity to Deliver Agenda 2063
President Mahama pointed to the African Union’s Agenda 2063 as a framework that already sets out the continent’s long-term ambitions for productive economies, stronger institutions, regional integration and greater influence in global affairs.
The immediate task, he said, is building the institutions and financing systems needed to translate those ambitions into results.
He acknowledged that Ghana must also address weaknesses within its own development machinery.
“We need stronger coordination across government, better preparation of programs and projects, greater domestic resource mobilisation, sound financial management, and institutions that can demonstrate clear results.” - President John Dramani Mahama
Mr Mahama added that government cannot deliver these priorities alone.
Businesses, universities, civil society organisations and local communities must also contribute to strengthening Ghana’s development capacity.
“We must carry our share of the responsibility if we want greater room to lead,” he stressed.
Accra Reset Pushes Greater Development Ownership
The President used the roundtable to explain the thinking behind his Accra Reset Initiative, which seeks to reshape how developing countries work with international partners.
“The Accra Reset asks what countries need to act with urgency in a changing world, and what a more balanced relationship with international partners could look like.” - President John Dramani Mahama
For Mr Mahama, sovereignty in development should be measured by a country’s ability to make decisions and implement them.
“A country needs to be able to set its priorities, negotiate effectively, mobilise resources, and follow through on its decisions,” he stated.
Mahama Wants Foundations to Build Lasting Institutions
Turning to philanthropic organisations, President Mahama urged a shift away from short-term projects towards support that strengthens national institutions and local delivery systems.
He said international cooperation should reduce unnecessary duplication while maintaining accountability.
The President argued that foundations are particularly well placed to finance public goods, research and institutional development that may struggle to attract commercial investment.
“Foundations have room to operate differently because they can support institutional capability, early programme development, public goods and social priorities,” he said.
He wants successful externally supported initiatives eventually integrated into national systems rather than remaining permanently dependent on donor programmes.
“Where an approach proves successful, the next step should be its adoption into public systems, local delivery institutions, and long-term financing models.” - President John Dramani Mahama
The message from New York was that African countries must take greater responsibility for their development while international partners help build institutions capable of sustaining progress long after individual projects end.
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