President John Dramani Mahama has urged the international community to rethink the way Africa’s development is financed, arguing that the continent needs investment partnerships rather than traditional aid.
Addressing the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday, September 24, 2026, President Mahama called for reforms to the international financial system to provide developing countries with long-term, affordable and accessible financing.
He said such financing was essential to enable African countries to invest in human capital, industrialisation and measures to adapt to climate change.
“We demand reform. We need long-term, affordable, and accessible concessionary financing that enables developing economies to invest in human capital, industrialisation, and climate adaptation.”
President Mahama said Africa should not be viewed primarily as a recipient of assistance but as an equal partner in global development.
“Africa does not seek charity. Africa seeks equal partnership anchored in mutual respect.”
He pointed to the continent’s youthful population, extensive arable land, cultural resources and deposits of critical minerals as assets that could contribute significantly to the global economy.
According to the President, Africa’s critical minerals are particularly important to the global transition towards clean energy, while its large and youthful population presents opportunities for economic growth and innovation.
His remarks form part of a broader push by Ghana at the UN General Assembly for changes in global economic and financial arrangements. Earlier during the UN meetings, President Mahama had also promoted the Accra Reset, an initiative focused on reshaping aspects of global development cooperation and strengthening financing opportunities for countries in the Global South.
President Mahama said the existing international development architecture must respond more effectively to the financing needs of developing economies, particularly countries facing mounting debt pressures.
He maintained that without access to affordable financing, developing countries would struggle to make the investments required to expand economic opportunities, strengthen public services and build resilience to climate-related challenges.
The United Nations’ 81st General Assembly general debate is taking place from September 22 to 28, 2026, in New York.
President Mahama’s call adds Ghana’s voice to wider discussions at the UN over development financing, economic reform and the role of African countries in shaping the global economic system.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
