President John Dramani Mahama has called for a fundamental shift in Africa’s development approach, urging global leaders to move beyond aid and dependency toward partnerships rooted in sovereignty, value creation and shared prosperity.

Speaking at a Davos convening of the Accra Reset Initiative on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum, President Mahama said the global order established after the Second World War is increasingly under strain, with multilateralism weakening and international relations becoming more transactional.

He argued that Africa, which has long been caught in cycles of conflict, poverty and aid dependence, must take greater responsibility for shaping its place in the emerging global system.

According to President Mahama, the moment presents an opportunity for African countries to redefine their engagement with the world through equitable partnerships that prioritise local value addition, resilience and long-term prosperity rather than dependence on external assistance.

Reflecting on Ghana’s own post-independence journey, the President said the country is undertaking a bold national reset aimed at cutting waste, restoring public confidence and building effective institutions.

He pointed to Ghana’s recent economic recovery from debt distress to improved macroeconomic stability, rising business confidence, and a leaner government structure as evidence that focused, accountable leadership can produce tangible results.

President Mahama stressed that Africa’s future development must be driven by sound governance, strategic partnerships and home-grown solutions, noting that the continent has both the resources and the human capital to chart a new path toward inclusive and sustainable growth.