Mahama calls for reset in African governance

President John Dramani Mahama has urged African leaders to prioritise skills development, regional cooperation, and domestic production to prevent the continent from falling behind globally.

Addressing the Accra Reset Davos Convening on Thursday, January 22, President Mahama warned that Africa’s future depends on its ability to innovate and build competitive economies that can meet the expectations of a youthful and increasingly impatient population.

He stressed that skills development must be the foundation of Africa’s transformation, arguing that education systems should be aligned with the practical demands of modern economies rather than remain narrowly academic.

According to him, governments must invest deliberately in digital skills, green energy expertise and manufacturing capabilities that enable young people to become creators of economic value.

President Mahama also highlighted the need for deeper regional integration, noting that no single African country can industrialise in isolation. He called for collaboration through regional manufacturing hubs, shared energy infrastructure and integrated digital systems to help businesses scale and allow workers to access opportunities across borders.

On Africa’s engagement with the global economy, he urged leaders to negotiate collectively on strategic matters such as minerals, trade and climate finance.

He observed that fragmented negotiations weaken Africa’s leverage, while unity would significantly strengthen the continent’s bargaining position.

The President underscored the urgency of strengthening domestic production, insisting that Africa must manufacture essential goods to build resilience and reduce dependence.

“If we do not produce what we need – from vaccines to semiconductors to solar panels – we will remain dependent on those who do,” he said. “Industrial policy is not old-fashioned. It is essential to our survival. We must hold ourselves accountable to our people.”

President Mahama linked the reset agenda to governance reforms, warning that corruption, inefficiency and weak institutions erode public trust and investor confidence. “We cannot expect the world to invest in us if we tolerate corruption, waste and systems that do not work. Reset means reform, and reform must deliver results,” he added.

Reflecting on Africa’s past successes, Mahama cited the global response to HIV/AIDS, recalling how coordinated leadership led to the creation of the Global Fund and saved millions of lives.

He contrasted that achievement with current challenges, describing today’s crisis as one of unrealised potential. “Today, we face a different pandemic—the pandemic of unfulfilled potential,” he said. “Millions of young Africans have no jobs. Health systems collapse at the first crisis. Economies extract resources but build nothing lasting.”

He questioned why similar global resolve cannot be applied to structural challenges, asking, “If we could mobilise the world to fight a disease, why can’t we mobilise to fight poverty, dependency, and the systems that keep brilliant young Africans locked out of the future?”

President Mahama pointed to Ghana’s “Resetting Ghana” agenda as a practical model, referencing reforms such as reducing the size of government, digitising public services, training young people for future jobs and renegotiating debt to prioritise investment in citizens.

“This is the Accra Reset vision. It is not a talk shop or a declaration. It is a practical blueprint for building real sovereignty—measured in jobs created, children in school, children vaccinated, and young people thriving,” he said.

He added that Africa’s youth are closely watching the choices leaders make.

“In this fast-changing world, countries must compete, innovate, and build—or be left behind. Our young people are watching. They are brilliant, they are angry, and they are running out of patience. This is what we must focus on.”