President John Dramani Mahama has called for stronger efforts to create jobs and expand opportunities for young people as countries navigate growing disruptions in the global economic and development order.
Speaking at a presidential roundtable organised by the Open Society Foundation in New York on Monday, September 21, Mahama said the current period of uncertainty could also create room for new partnerships, ideas and reforms.
The engagement, held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, brought together presidents and leaders of major global foundations.
Mahama said countries such as Ghana must strengthen their ability to create jobs, improve public services and develop infrastructure while responding to changes in the international environment.
“In all the disruption and chaos are born new ideas and partnerships,” Mahama said.
He pointed to the African Union’s Agenda 2063 as a long-term framework for strengthening African economies, institutions and regional integration.
The President also highlighted Ghana’s Accra Reset initiative, saying it seeks to help countries respond with greater urgency and self-reliance while building more balanced relationships with international partners.
He acknowledged the need for stronger coordination within Ghana, improved project preparation, increased domestic revenue mobilisation and sound financial management.
Mahama further urged international foundations and development partners to focus more on building local institutional capacity rather than relying mainly on short-term programmes.
He said successful approaches should eventually be incorporated into public systems and locally sustainable financing models.
