President John Dramani Mahama has expressed concern regarding the escalating issue of youth unemployment and fragile health systems in Africa.
He said that the continent is grappling with a ‘pandemic of unfulfilled potential’ that necessitates immediate attention from African leaders.
This statement was made during his address to the Zambian Parliament on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
President Mahama stressed that the high rate of unemployed youth in Ghana and across the continent poses a significant threat, thereby compelling African governments to create meaningful opportunities that empower young people and stimulate economic growth.
He further noted that youth unemployment is not merely an economic issue but also a security and social concern, as it renders millions vulnerable to crime, unrest, and lost potential.
Speaking on the issue of health, he described the continent’s health systems as fragile.
President Mahama said Africa remains vulnerable amid global shifts in aid, defence spending, and international priorities.
“We must confront the battle for the economic emancipation of our countries at a time when global geopolitics is undergoing tectonic shifts. Today, global humanitarian assistance is shrinking, official development assistance is declining, defence spending is rising, and traditional multilateral systems are under strain,” he said.
He stressed the need for African leaders to roll out measures that will help in building strong economies, resilient health systems, and opportunities for youth, which is essential to overcoming the continent’s unfulfilled potential.
“Africa faces a different pandemic, the pandemic of unfulfilled potential. Millions of young people remain unemployed; health systems are fragile; and economies extract wealth without building capacity. We must confront this reality decisively,” Mahama added.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
