President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, has emphasized the need for Africa to embrace self-reliance in the wake of funding disruptions from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Speaking at the opening town hall session of the 2025 Munich Security Conference under the theme Building or Burning Bridges: Economic & Development Cooperation amid Multipolarisation, President Mahama underscored the necessity for African nations to adjust their economic priorities in response to shifting global power dynamics.
Before departing for Munich, President Mahama indicated that he issued a directive to Ghana’s Finance Ministry to restructure the national budget to compensate for the anticipated shortfall in USAID funding.
The funding gap, which amounts to $156 million (approximately GHS 2 billion), affects critical sectors such as governance and democracy, healthcare, economic growth, and education.
“Now the most critical is health because it goes into PEPFAS activities that include, HIV testing and the provision of antiretrovirals and other support in the healthcare space. And that amounts to the biggest chunk of it is about $78,000,000,000 or so. And so we’re gonna make adjustments in the budget”.
President John Dramani Mahama
President Mahama assured that Ghana’s budget adjustments would accommodate these shortfalls, emphasizing that the country’s next budget, scheduled for presentation in March 2025, would incorporate provisions to mitigate the impact of USAID’s funding withdrawal.
A Shift Toward Self-Reliance
Describing the development as both a challenge and an opportunity, President Mahama urged African leaders to see such funding disruptions as a catalyst for increased self-sufficiency.
“It must teach Africa to become more self-reliant. This funding directly supports the most vulnerable in our societies, and in making these budgetary adjustments, we must ensure that no one is left behind”.
President John Dramani Mahama
He acknowledged the United States’ role in shaping the post-World War II global order, recognizing the benefits that have accrued to both America and the rest of the world.
However, he argued that the U.S.’s current recalibration of its global commitments must be conducted in a way that minimizes disruption to vulnerable nations.
“One of the things the U.S. stands to lose is its soft power—its influence that stems from goodwill and international cooperation. The people who benefit from these assistance programs appreciate the impact, and if the U.S. abruptly withdraws, it risks losing that strategic influence”.
President John Dramani Mahama
A Multipolar World and New Partnerships
Despite the challenges posed by the U.S.’s shifting global posture, President Mahama stressed that Africa has alternative avenues for cooperation.
“The U.S. is not our only partner. We will continue to collaborate with other countries. As bridges burn, new bridges are being built, and we must seek out those connections to ensure Africa remains integrated into the global economy.”
President John Dramani Mahama
When asked about the potential for this shift to reshape Africa’s economic strategies away from aid dependency, President Mahama affirmed that this is an opportunity for the continent to become more self-sufficient.
“It’s time for Africa to roll out more social safety nets, create more equitable societies, and bridge the gap between the rich and the poor. We need to build an environment where young people have real opportunities to succeed without relying heavily on external aid.”
President John Dramani Mahama
President Mahama’s remarks at the Munich Security Conference come at a critical time when Africa is increasingly exploring diversified partnerships, particularly with emerging economies such as China, India, and the European Union.
His call for self-reliance signals a growing recognition that Africa must take charge of its own economic future amid the complexities of a multipolar world.
As global power structures continue to evolve, President Mahama’s address serves as a wake-up call for African nations to proactively build resilience, foster economic independence, and ensure that vulnerable populations remain protected despite changing international alliances.
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