Country ownership should not require our partners to lower their standards -Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama advocated for a shift in international development partnerships, emphasizing the importance of country ownership and institutional capacity. Speaking at the OSF Funders Roundtable in New York, Mahama highlighted Ghana's desire for greater autonomy in its development while acknowledging the responsibilities that come with it.

He pointed out that recent global developments had exposed the risks faced by countries reliant on external financing, as funding priorities and political decisions made far away could impact local programs and communities. Mahama argued that the changing landscape offered an opportunity to reassess the development system and strengthen countries' ability to control their economic and social progress.

He emphasized that Africa had a development roadmap in Agenda 2063, but the challenge lay in translating aspirations into tangible results. To achieve this, institutions needed to have the capacity to execute, manage resources effectively, negotiate strategically, and attract suitable financing. Mahama stressed that Accra Reset, a framework rooted in the recognition that sovereignty must be supported by the capacity to exercise it, required countries to have the necessary capabilities to make decisions.

For Ghana, this entailed setting clear national priorities, improving coordination among government agencies, and strengthening institutions responsible for delivery. The President also highlighted the need for Ghana to build confidence in its governance, financial management, and accountability systems, as well as to effectively collaborate with civil society, communities, businesses, and other national institutions.

Mahama designated the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA) as the focal point for international philanthropic partnerships and grant coordination, recognizing its expertise in procurement, financial management, delivery, and accountability. He assured that Ghana would maintain high standards for international cooperation, ensuring that partners adhered to demanding international standards in their engagement with the government.

Mahama encouraged philanthropic organizations to align their mandates with Ghana's priorities, offering various forms of support, including funding, expertise, networks, and institutional capability.