Africa’s prosperity not a threat to anybody; we accept partnerships on our own terms – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has dismissed concerns that Africa's economic growth could threaten other regions, stating that the continent's prosperity would only bring opportunities and contribute to global development. In an interview with TRT World, Mahama emphasized that Africa must shift its focus from the political independence achieved by its founding leaders to addressing the economic challenges of the current generation.

He reiterated that Africa's growth should not be seen as a competition, but rather as an expansion of markets and opportunities that benefit everyone. Mahama emphasized that a stronger African economy would create larger markets and expand possibilities, while also enabling the continent to tackle long-standing development issues.

While acknowledging the importance of international cooperation, Mahama stressed that any partnerships with external partners must be mutually beneficial and respectful of Africa's interests. "We don't reject partnerships, but those partnerships must be on our terms," he said. Mahama argued that Africa must build its capacity to set its own development priorities while engaging with the rest of the world as an equal partner.

He noted that the challenges faced by today's African leaders differ from those of the continent's independence-era leaders, such as Ghana's first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah. Nkrumah fought for political liberation, but the current generation must focus on achieving economic liberation, Mahama explained. The former President called for stronger African economies, increased local value creation, and reduced dependence on external support, as these factors would bolster the continent's influence over decisions affecting its resources and future.