|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
President John Dramani Mahama has urged a new approach to global engagement with Africa, emphasizing that the continent seeks investment-driven partnerships rather than sympathy, as it leverages its natural resources and pursues industrial growth.
Speaking at the 12th Africa Debate on Wednesday, June 3, the Ghanaian leader highlighted the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)—the world’s largest free trade zone—as a key driver for industrialisation, intra-African trade, and broad economic transformation.
Mahama stressed that Africa’s development is not a distant dream but a present reality. Despite global economic uncertainties, the continent continues to show resilience and sustained growth.
He called for an end to Africa’s historical role as merely a supplier of raw materials to industrialized nations, arguing that the continent’s future must be built on industrialisation and equitable global engagement.
“Even amid global uncertainty, Africa continues to demonstrate resilience and growth. While many advanced economies struggle with stagnation, Africa remains one of the world’s fastest-growing regions. But let me also state clearly, Africa does not seek sympathy,” Mahama said.
He added that future relationships with the world must focus on value addition, technology transfer, infrastructure investment, skills development, and shared prosperity. Highlighting Ghana as an example, Mahama said the nation demonstrates that transformation is possible when leadership reform aligns with national purpose.
Story by Efua Nessa