President Mahama Pushes ‘Accra Reset Vision’ for Africa at World Economic Forum

President of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, has unveiled what he described as a bold and practical roadmap for Africa’s economic sovereignty, urging African countries and their global partners to embrace a new development model anchored in cooperation, production, and accountability.

Speaking at the Accra Reset Initiative on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, President Mahama said the global system that has shaped development since the Second World War is rapidly weakening, creating both risk and opportunity for Africa.

“Our world as we know it is at an inflection point. The global, multilateral governance system agreed after the Second World War is breaking down,” President Mahama told the forum.

Africa Must Shape the New Global Order

President Mahama said Africa can no longer afford to remain on the margins of global decision-making as geopolitical tensions, shrinking aid budgets, and economic shocks reshape the international landscape.

“While no specific name has yet been coined for the new global system that will emerge, Africa intends to be at the table in determining what that new global order will look like,” he said.

He warned that decades of dependency have left many African economies vulnerable and exposed.

“Africa has lagged behind in the decades following independence and has been trapped in cycles of conflict and multidimensional poverty. This is not sovereignty; it is a trap,” he stated.

The Accra Reset Vision

President Mahama described the Accra Reset Vision as a shift away from declarations toward execution-driven reform, designed to help African countries build real economic independence.

“The Accra Reset is not a talk shop and not another declaration. It is a practical blueprint for how African countries can work together to build real sovereignty,” he explained.

According to him, the vision focuses on skills development, regional manufacturing, value addition to natural resources, and collective negotiation in global markets.

“We supply the world’s critical minerals, but capture almost none of the value. That has to change,” Mahama said.

Lessons from COVID-19

Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ghanaian leader said the crisis exposed deep flaws in global systems, particularly in access to vaccines and essential medical supplies.

“Africa was the last continent to begin receiving vaccines during a global pandemic. That experience was a wake-up call,” he noted.

He argued that Africa must build domestic capacity in health, technology, and manufacturing to withstand future shocks.

Ghana’s Experience

President Mahama highlighted Ghana’s recent economic recovery as evidence that reform, discipline, and accountable leadership can deliver results.

“From a debt-distressed, crisis-ridden economy, we have restored macroeconomic stability by cutting waste, digitising services, and focusing on execution,” he said.

However, he stressed that no single African country can succeed alone.

“Ghana’s success alone is not enough. We cannot be a jewel in a desert of distress. Africa must move forward together,” Mahama emphasized.

Call for Unity and Partnership

President Mahama urged African leaders to negotiate collectively on trade, minerals, and climate finance, arguing that unity is essential in a competitive global environment.

“When we negotiate separately, we are weak. When we negotiate together, we can be formidable,” he said.

He also called on global partners to engage Africa as an equal partner rather than a recipient of aid.

“We did not come here to ask for charity. We came to propose a partnership of the willing, based on mutual respect and shared prosperity,” President Mahama said.

A Challenge to Global Leaders

Concluding his address, President Mahama framed the Accra Reset Vision as both a challenge and an invitation to global leaders.

“In this fast-changing world, countries must compete, innovate, and build—or be left behind. The question is whether we have the courage to build a new model together,” he said.

The Accra Reset Vision will next be presented at upcoming engagements with the African Union in Addis Ababa and at international policy forums later this year, as Ghana and its partners seek to build momentum for Africa-led global reform.