President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated concerns about the limited influence in Africa on the global stage despite its vast natural wealth.
Speaking at the opening of the 80th anniversary commemoration of the Fifth Pan-African Congress at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, Mahama argued that the continent’s abundant resources have not translated into political or economic power internationally.
According to him, Africa remains a key supplier of critical minerals, energy resources and agricultural products to the world, yet continues to occupy a marginal position in global decision-making.
He noted that major international institutions, trade systems and geopolitical blocs often overlook the interests of African nations.
Mahama said the paradox—resource richness alongside limited global sway—reflects structural inequalities, historical exploitation and ongoing governance challenges within the continent.
“Africa remains a continent rich in natural resources but poor in global influence,” he said.
He stressed the need for African countries to collaborate more closely, strengthen regional bodies, and push collectively for reforms in global governance institutions.
He further urged leaders across the continent to adopt policies that add value to Africa’s raw materials rather than exporting them in their primary state.
He stated that political independence was only the first step envisioned by the early Pan-Africanists who convened in Manchester in 1945.
“Political liberation must open the door to economic and social liberation,” Mahama noted.
He said industrialisation and strategic economic partnerships are key pathways to boosting Africa’s bargaining power.
Mahama recalled the efforts of historic figures such as Kwame Nkrumah, George Padmore, W.E.B. Du Bois, Jomo Kenyatta, and Ras Makonnen, saying they carried the hopes of millions and left a clear message: “Africa must take its destiny into its own hands … and the dignity of African people is not negotiable.”
“Africa contributes least to global emissions yet suffers most…We must approach global climate negotiations not as passive recipients of aid, but as equal partners demanding fairness, investment, and respect for our right to develop.”
As part of efforts to deepen continental integration, President Mahama announced plans to form a League of African Free Movement Countries, an initial group of seven nations that will abolish visa requirements for each other’s citizens.
“I will write to the Presidents of the seven countries. If any of our citizens want to travel to each other’s countries, they won’t require a visa,” he said, describing the initiative as the first step toward a borderless Africa.
“It is a shame that we still have to travel to each other’s countries asking for a visa,” he said.
