President John Dramani Mahama has called on African leaders to recognize the true wealth of the continent: its people.
Speaking at the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, he highlighted Africa’s growing population and youthful demographic as a major opportunity for progress.
“By 2050, Africa’s population will reach 2.5 billion. More than a quarter of the world’s population will be African. Already, the median age on the African continent is 19,” Mahama said.
He stressed that Africa’s future should be measured not only by its abundant natural resources—gold, oil, diamonds, lithium—but by the protection, dignity, and empowerment of its citizens.
“Imagine if Africa measured its wealth not by natural resources, but by its people—valued individuals, free from oppression, conflict, persecution, and violence,” he said.
Mahama warned that technological advances and global interconnectivity make it urgent for Africa to act decisively, as challenges such as pandemics and global crises reach the continent rapidly.
He urged leaders to harness the demographic potential of the continent responsibly, ensuring that Africa’s people are the primary focus of development and policy planning.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
