President John Dramani Mahama has issued a clarion call for a revitalised continental agenda focused on economic emancipation, technological self-reliance, and deeper African unity. He cautioned that despite decades of political independence, the continent remains vulnerable to emerging forms of external domination.
Delivering his remarks at the official opening of the 80th anniversary celebration of the Fifth Pan-African Congress, held at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, President Mahama lamented that Africa’s abundant natural resources have yet to yield commensurate influence on the global stage.
“Africa remains a continent rich in natural resources but poor in global influence,” he stated, adding that although the chains of colonialism have been broken, the continent now faces “economic, technological, ideological and political” forms of domination. He stressed 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,” he said.
Reflecting on the significance of the Fifth Pan-African Congress, President Mahama noted that the 1945 gathering became “the turning point that accelerated the liberation of our continent from colonial domination.” He 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.”
President John Dramani Mahama has underscored the growing complexity of Africa’s contemporary challenges, citing the urgent need for economic transformation, climate justice, technological autonomy, and a reformed global financial system. He emphasised that Africa’s youthful demographic, rich natural endowments, and vibrant cultural heritage must be harnessed to create tangible opportunities for development.
Critiquing the prevailing global political and financial frameworks, President Mahama argued that they continue to marginalise Africa’s voice, particularly in climate negotiations. “Africa contributes the least to global emissions yet bears the brunt of the consequences,” he stated. “We must engage in climate talks not as passive recipients of aid, but as equal stakeholders demanding justice, investment, and recognition of our sovereign 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.” Mr. Mahama urged African leaders to focus on empowering young people, noting that more than 60 percent of the continent’s population is under 35. “The next generation of Pan-Africanists will not gather in secret rooms. They will gather in innovation hubs, coding labs, creative studios, and digital communities,” he said.
Source: William Narh
