President John Dramani Mahama declared that Africa won’t choose between development sustainability during a forceful address to global powers, insisting the continent deserves both economic growth and environmental protection. He made the remarks in Accra while marking the 80th anniversary of the Fifth Pan-African Congress.
Mahama recalled that the 1945 Manchester Congress became a turning point in Africa’s liberation struggles, and he called for modern unity. He argued that even though colonial rule has ended, Africa now faces “new forms of domination — economic, technological, ideological and political.”
He laid out urgent priorities for the continent: economic transformation, technological sovereignty, climate justice, regional integration, and governance reform. According to him, Africa’s vision for progress must not be sacrificed for climate talks; instead, the continent must negotiate with clarity and non-negotiable demands.
Mahama also proposed a “League of African Free Movement” involving seven African countries that will abolish visa requirements among them, a move he described as a practical step toward unity and mutual economic benefit
He pressed African leaders to lead responsibly — managing economies with transparency, creating opportunities for youth, and upholding democratic accountability. He denounced climate negotiations that ignore Africa’s emissions contributions while burdening the continent with the worst climate impacts.
In closing, Mahama called on Africans to reclaim their future: “Africans will determine Africa’s destiny — not by external forces, not by global markets, but by the courage, creativity and unity of our people.”
#Vitus@GTS
