Former President John Dramani Mahama, convener of the Accra Reset initiative, has posited that Africa’s reliance on external powers does not constitute genuine sovereignty but rather a burgeoning predicament.
He expressed this viewpoint during the Accra Reset Convening held in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
The Ghanaian leader lamented the tendency of numerous African countries to defer to external authorities for security decisions, rely on donor support for healthcare and education systems, and export critical minerals while failing to capture substantial value.
“This isn’t sovereignty. It is a trap. And it is getting worse,” President Mahama said.
In his view, the only way out of this dependency is for Africa to build its own capacity to act.
“In my quiet moments, as I try to find solutions, here’s what I’ve learnt: Crisis creates clarity. The clarity is this: we must build our own capacity to act,” he said.
The Forum is aimed at expanding the Accra Reset’s reach, building partnerships, and presenting Africa/Global South leadership in global solutions, addressing issues like climate, trade, and health financing.
The President leads the Presidential Council of the Accra Reset, a Global South initiative working to strengthen sovereign capacity and reimagine international cooperation in an era of unprecedented global challenges.
Other Presidential Council members attending the side event include President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt, President William Samoei Ruto of Kenya, and President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Vice President Kashim Shettima will represent Nigeria, and Prime Minister James Marape will represent Papua New Guinea.
Former Heads of State participating include President Olusegun Obasanjo, Rt Hon. Helen Clark, President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, and President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, who make up the Guardians Circle of the Accra Reset.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
