Mahama urges Africa to break dependency cycle and take control of its resources

President John Dramani Mahama has called upon African nations to fundamentally change their relationship with the Western world and take a more active role in managing their natural resources, development priorities, and overall economic future. In an interview with TRT World on August 21, 2026, Mahama explained that Africa's ongoing dependence on external aid and limited authority over the pricing and processing of its raw materials have created a self-perpetuating cycle of dependency that must be broken.

Mahama linked this development challenge to the global order established following World War II, noting that Africa found itself in a position of reliance due to this new international framework. He pointed out the imbalance in the trading of Africa's natural resources, emphasizing that African countries continue to rely on Western assistance while having little control over the prices of their raw materials and the prices of the finished products they sell back to the West.

Mahama highlighted the far-reaching consequences of this situation, including its impact on sectors like healthcare. To address these issues, Mahama introduced the concept of health sovereignty, which aims to strengthen African health systems, boost local pharmaceutical production, and empower the continent to take greater responsibility for health outcomes.

This initiative has evolved into a broader discussion about Africa's role in the international system, advocating for partnerships that grant African countries more control over the utilization of their resources and the pursuit of their development priorities. Mahama stressed that Africa does not seek isolation or reject international cooperation but seeks partnerships structured to give Africa a more significant say in how its resources are utilized and its development priorities are pursued.

He believed that a more self-reliant Africa would provide the continent with greater global influence and enable it to have a stronger voice in global affairs. Mahama also dismissed the idea that Africa's economic advancement would threaten other regions, arguing that a prosperous Africa would benefit the entire global economy by creating opportunities and contributing to global development.

He maintained that Africa's prosperity is ultimately in the interest of the international community as the continent strives to overcome persistent challenges in healthcare, education, and economic growth.