President Mahama calls for African unity and economic sovereignty

Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has addressed several domestic and international themes, ranging from calls for African unity to warnings regarding religious tolerance within Ghana.

On the international stage, Mahama urged African leaders to adopt common positions to increase the continent's influence in the global order, specifically regarding UN Security Council reform and reparations. He advocated for breaking the ‘dependency syndrome’ by gaining control over natural resources and strengthening health sovereignty to reduce reliance on Western aid. Regarding a UN resolution on the transatlantic slave trade, Mahama expressed disappointment at the United States' opposition, though he noted he does not hold the US primarily accountable for the historical trafficking organized by European powers.

Domestically, Mahama cautioned religious leaders against actions that could undermine Ghana’s tradition of peaceful coexistence, following recent tensions between religious groups. He emphasized that religious conviction must not lead to provocation or violence. Additionally, the Presiding Bishop of The Methodist Church Ghana, Most Rev Prof Johnson Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu, issued a rebuke to the administration, urging the government to deliver on its promises rather than attributing difficulties to the previous administration.