Unite Africa against foreign influence – Prof. Antwi-Danso to Mahama

International relations expert urges President Mahama to lead a Pan-African diplomatic front amid growing global suspicions.

Professor Vladimir Antwi-Danso has called on President John Dramani Mahama to take a leading role in uniting African nations against growing foreign influence.

He cautioned that fragmented diplomacy across the continent could leave Africa vulnerable to external manipulation and what he described as a new wave of re-colonisation.

Speaking on The Point of View on Channel One TV, which was followed keenly by this news portal, Prof. Antwi-Danso highlighted the ongoing conflict in Sudan as a clear example of how foreign powers exploit divisions within Africa to pursue their own strategic interests.

“The war in Sudan is being fought by outside forces on our soil. Africa must come together to protect its own interests,” he said, stressing that African nations must coordinate their actions to safeguard the continent’s sovereignty.

According to Prof. Antwi-Danso, some Western powers, particularly the United States and the European Union, continue to view President Mahama with suspicion due to perceived ties with Russia.

“They suspect him of leaning toward the Russians. The EU and the Americans believe he may have had Russian support to come to power, so they are cautious in their dealings with him,” he explained.

He said aligning individual countries with different global powers would only weaken Africa’s collective bargaining position.

“If Nigeria, Benin, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire are placed in the American camp while others are aligned elsewhere, Africa loses its leverage. This is how re-colonisation begins—and it is already happening,” he cautioned, calling for a unified continental stance.

Prof. Antwi-Danso said President Mahama now has a strategic opportunity to demonstrate leadership at a continental level. His remarks come as Mahama’s influence on the continent continues to grow, particularly following the unanimous endorsement by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as the sole candidate for African Union (AU) Chair when West Africa assumes the rotating leadership in 2027. The recommendation followed a unanimous decision by the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, signaling confidence in his ability to represent the region.

“The AU chairmanship gives him a platform to promote Pan-African unity and ensure Africa speaks with one voice in global affairs,” Prof. Antwi-Danso said.

He concluded by urging African leaders to adopt a collective approach to global diplomacy, warning that unity is the only way to protect the continent from external interference and preserve its sovereignty for future generations.