President of Ghana, HE John Dramani Mahama, has called for transformative reforms within the African Union (AU) to address the evolving challenges facing the continent.
Speaking at the AU’s retreat on institutional reforms, President Mahama underscored the need for a more accountable, efficient, and impactful continental body capable of addressing Africa’s unique challenges while positioning the continent strategically in the global arena.
“The AU as our collective institution has achieved remarkable milestones in its journey, and that is from spearheading the African Continental Free Trade Area and advancing peace through the Africa Mission for Unity in Somalia and the African Peace and Security Architecture. The AU has demonstrated its potential as a unifying force but the challenges we face today require more than incremental progress.
‘They require some bold and transformative reforms.Our continent faces unique kinds of challenges including youth unemployment, food insecurity, climate change, governance deficit and conflicts in many regions while at the same time, we are witnessing a global shift necessitating an African’s place in the world.”
President John Dramani Mahama
President Mahama highlighted the need for bold reforms to streamline the AU’s decision-making processes, reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies, and eliminate overlapping mandates that hinder the institution’s effectiveness.
For him, the AU must reform to become more agile and impactful in addressing these challenges, adding that timely and result-oriented decisions are critical to restoring the confidence of African citizens and international partners.
One of the central reforms proposed was financial autonomy for the AU. President Mahama lamented the Union’s over-reliance on external funding, describing it as a significant impediment to the AU’s independence.
“The implementation of the Kigali decision on financing the AU must be expedited,” he said, emphasizing that self-reliance is not merely a vision but an imperative tool for progress.
Youth Empowerment and Governance
President Mahama further highlighted Africa’s demographic dividend, noting that over 60% of the continent’s population is under the age of 25. He called for institutionalized frameworks to empower youth and women to lead at all levels of governance.
“The energy of our youth, their creativity, and vision are the drivers of the Africa we seek to build,” he said. He pointed to Ghana’s progress, citing the election of the Woman Vice President as a historic step toward inclusive governance.
Also, President Mahama stressed the inseparable link between peace and development, advocating for a stronger AU capacity to mediate and resolve conflicts.
He called for adequate resourcing of the African Standby Force and enhanced collaboration with regional economic communities to address terrorism, cybercrime, and climate-induced displacements.
In particular, he emphasized the need for decisive action in West Africa, a region grappling with terrorism and instability. “A well-coordinated and responsive security mechanism will allow us to address conflicts swiftly without over-reliance on external actors,” he noted.
Economic Integration and Innovation
Moreover, President Mahama lauded the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a foundational step toward creating a single African market. However, he emphasized the need to address trade barriers, harmonize regulatory frameworks, and invest in infrastructure to unlock intra-African trade’s full potential.
Additionally, he called for a championing of technological innovation and digital transformation, describing them as catalysts for economic growth and inclusion. “The African payment system that allows seamless transactions between countries must be expedited,” he added.
President Mahama underscored the importance of good governance, respect for human rights, and the consolidation of democracy in achieving sustainable peace and development.
“Leadership does not end with heads of state,” he remarked, urging collaboration with civil society, the private sector, and the African diaspora to shape and implement reforms.
President Mahama concluded his speech with a call for unity and shared responsibility in achieving the AU’s Agenda 2063, which envisions an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa.
“The winds of change are blowing across the continent, and the world is watching,” he said, urging African leaders to rise to the occasion as architects of a brighter future.
Reiterating Ghana’s commitment to pan-Africanism and mutual progress, he expressed confidence in the flourishing ties between Ghana and Kenya and other African nations. “Together, we can build an Africa that is resilient, prosperous, and united in its pursuit of sustainable development and lasting peace,” he declared.
The retreat, seen as a pivotal moment for the AU, sets the stage for candid dialogue and decisive action to reshape the Union into an institution that truly reflects the aspirations of the African people.
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