President John Dramani Mahama has called on African countries to strengthen their institutions, financing capabilities and delivery systems to create greater opportunities for the continent’s young population.
Speaking at a presidential roundtable organised by the Open Society Foundation in New York on Monday, September 21, on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, President Mahama said Africa already has a long-term strategic pathway through Agenda 2063.
He said the continent must now strengthen the systems and institutions needed to translate those ambitions into tangible opportunities for its people, particularly the youth.
“Africa has already defined its long-term strategic pathway through Agenda 2063, a framework focused on building productive economies, robust institutions, deeper regional integration, expanded opportunities, and a stronger African voice in global affairs,” he said.
President Mahama stressed the need for African leaders to act with urgency by improving their capacity to finance and deliver development programmes.
He said creating opportunities for young people must remain central to Africa’s response to the changing global environment.
“This is when we must create jobs for our people, improve public services, build infrastructure, and expand opportunity, especially for our young people,” President Mahama said.
He also called for stronger partnerships between governments and other stakeholders, including civil society, businesses, academia and local communities.
“We must also leverage capabilities outside government, including civil society, business, academia, and local communities. We must carry our share of the responsibility if we want greater room to lead,” he stated.
The President said the Accra Reset initiative is also focused on helping countries build the capacity to set their own priorities, mobilise resources and implement development decisions.
“When I speak about sovereignty in this context, I am speaking about the capacity to act. A country needs to be able to set its priorities, negotiate effectively, mobilise resources, and follow through on its decisions,” he said.
His remarks formed part of discussions on the changing global development landscape and the need for countries in Africa and the Global South to build stronger capacity to pursue their development priorities.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
