President Mahama Charges African Leaders to Govern With Transparency, Accountability and Respect for Human Rights
President John Dramani Mahama has called on the current generation of African leaders to commit fully to transparent, accountable and rights-respecting governance, stressing that the future of the continent depends on ethical leadership and the protection of democratic values.
Speaking during commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the Fifth Pan-African Congress on Tuesday 18th November,2025 , President Mahama said the progress Africa seeks cannot be achieved if governments continue to tolerate corruption, inequality, and abuse of power.
“There is a charge on the current crop of African leaders that we must manage our economies efficiently and transparently to create equal opportunity for all our people,” Mahama declared.
He underscored that Africa’s leaders must demonstrate integrity in public office and remain accountable to the citizens they serve.
“We must eschew corruption and govern accountably,” he stressed, warning that corruption erodes public trust and undermines the continent’s development efforts.
President Mahama emphasized that true Pan-African progress rests on the protection of freedoms, democratic systems, and the dignity of every citizen.
“We must protect and respect the rights and freedoms of our people,” he said, calling for governance that places the welfare and liberties of Africans at the centre of national and continental policy.
He further urged leaders across Africa to act in solidarity and safeguard peace, noting that security remains key to sustainable growth.
“We must act in solidarity with each other and silence the guns to protect the security and safety of our people.”
According to Mahama, the lessons of history — particularly the spirit of the 1945 Pan-African Congress — demand that today’s leaders rise to the call of responsibility and uphold democratic order.
He reminded African leaders that the continent’s destiny cannot be outsourced, insisting that governance choices made today will define Africa’s future.
