Mahama Calls for Reimagined Global Alliances at World Governments Summit 2026

President John Dramani Mahama has called for a bold rethinking of global alliances to address emerging international challenges, stressing the need for cooperation rooted in shared responsibility and mutual respect.

Speaking at the World Governments Summit 2026 held from February 3 to 5, President Mahama said the international system is undergoing profound transformation and requires partnerships that reflect modern global realities.

“The central question before us today is not whether global alliances will endure, but how they must be reimagined and renewed to remain effective, inclusive, and responsive to the demands of our time,” he stated.

Call for Stronger Global Cooperation

Addressing global leaders, policymakers and representatives of international organisations, President Mahama highlighted the growing complexity of global threats including climate change, food insecurity, terrorism, technological disruption and widening inequality.

He emphasised that such challenges transcend national borders and require collective action.

“These challenges demand cooperation not as a matter of choice but as an imperative. The alliances of the future must therefore be rooted in shared responsibility and based on our common destiny,” Mahama said.

Africa’s Role in the New Global Order

The Ghanaian leader underscored Africa’s growing importance in shaping the global economy and international diplomacy. He described the continent as a hub of opportunity driven by its youthful population, natural resources and expanding markets.

“The future of global alliances cannot be meaningfully imagined without Africa. Africa is not merely a space of competition; it is a continent of solutions, opportunities, and rising influence,” he noted.

President Mahama also called for stronger investment partnerships aimed at boosting industrialisation, renewable energy, digital transformation and human capital development across the continent.

He stressed that Africa must transition from reliance on aid to sustainable economic partnerships.

“Africa welcomes global partners not merely to trade with, but to transform with through investments that build industries, strengthen supply chains, and create shared opportunity,” he said.

Promoting Resource Sovereignty

President Mahama highlighted Ghana’s efforts to increase value addition to its natural resources and strengthen economic sovereignty. He pointed to the establishment of Goldbod, which he said has generated significant returns.

“New alliances with Africa must aim at adding value to Africa’s natural resources. They must aim at granting Africa greater sovereignty and control of its natural resources,” he stated.

Security and Regional Stability

Touching on regional security, President Mahama expressed concern about the rising threat of terrorism in parts of West Africa and the Sahel. He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to peace and democratic stability through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

“Peace remains the essential foundation on which development is built,” he said.

He further highlighted Ghana’s recent High-Level Consultative Conference on Regional Cooperation and Security as part of efforts to strengthen collective responses to regional threats.

Technology and Inclusive Innovation

President Mahama also addressed the growing influence of artificial intelligence, biotechnology and digital transformation, urging stronger global governance frameworks to ensure fairness and inclusion.

“The digital future must not be the privilege of a few nations. We must ensure that innovation becomes a shared global good, not a source of new inequality,” he stressed.

Climate Justice and Global Responsibility

On climate change, President Mahama called for fairness in global climate action, noting that Africa bears disproportionate climate impacts despite contributing the least to global emissions.

“Climate action must therefore be matched by climate justice,” he said, highlighting Ghana’s partnership with the United Arab Emirates to advance climate initiatives.

Strengthening Multilateralism

President Mahama concluded by calling for reforms in global governance institutions to make them more representative and equitable.

“The legitimacy of global governance depends on fairness, and fairness remains the cornerstone of trust,” he stated.

He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to diplomacy, cooperation and inclusive global progress.

“The future of global alliances is ultimately not about treaties alone. It is about the kind of world we choose to build — a world where cooperation triumphs over division and where nations rise together, not apart.”

The World Governments Summit brings together global leaders annually to discuss emerging governance challenges and opportunities shaping the future of international relations.