By: Daniel Yao Akpabli | ignewss — NEW YORK, USA
President John Dramani Mahama has called for stronger national institutions, improved domestic resource mobilisation and greater long-term investment in local capacity as countries in the Global South navigate rising debt pressures and changes in the international development system.
He made the call at a presidential roundtable organised by the Open Society Foundation in New York, on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
President Mahama said the disruption in the global order also presented opportunities for new approaches and partnerships, particularly in areas such as job creation, public services, infrastructure and opportunities for young people.
“In all the disruption and chaos are born new ideas and partnerships,” he said.
He said Ghana and other developing countries needed to strengthen their capacity to pursue national priorities with greater confidence and continuity amid changes in the global environment.
Mahama Links Agenda 2063 to African Development
President Mahama pointed to the African Union’s Agenda 2063 as the continent’s long-term framework for development, including productive economies, stronger institutions, regional integration and increased opportunities.
He said African countries needed to strengthen the institutions, financing mechanisms and delivery systems required to translate those ambitions into practical outcomes.
His remarks form part of his wider engagement around the Accra Reset, which Ghana launched in 2025 as an initiative focused on reshaping aspects of global development cooperation. The initiative’s current framework describes sovereignty in terms of practical capacity to set priorities, mobilise resources, build institutions and deliver results.
‘Sovereignty Is the Capacity to Act’
Speaking about the Accra Reset, President Mahama said countries needed greater capacity to determine and implement their development priorities.
“When I speak about sovereignty in this context, I am speaking about the capacity to act.”
He said such capacity involved setting priorities, negotiating effectively, mobilising resources and following through on decisions.
The President also acknowledged areas where Ghana needed to strengthen its own systems, including government coordination, project preparation, domestic revenue mobilisation, financial management and institutional accountability.
He said the government would also need to draw on expertise and capabilities outside the public sector, including civil society, businesses, academia and local communities.
Call for Long-Term International Support
President Mahama urged international partners and philanthropic organisations to move beyond short-term programmes towards initiatives that build lasting national and institutional capacity.
He asked whether international cooperation could do more to work through local systems when they meet required standards, while reducing unnecessary duplication and maintaining accountability.
The President said foundations were particularly positioned to support areas such as institutional development, early-stage programmes, public goods and social priorities where commercial financing may not be readily available.
He further argued that programmes that demonstrate success should eventually be incorporated into public systems, local delivery institutions and sustainable financing arrangements.
The roundtable was among President Mahama’s engagements during the 81st UN General Assembly in New York. He is also scheduled to participate in the Accra Reset’s “Full Circle” event, which brings together political leaders and development partners to discuss health governance, skills, global cooperation and shared prosperity.
The meeting brought together presidents and chief executives of major global foundations.
SOURCE: www.ignewss.com | The Presidency, Republic of Ghana