Former Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has called on African Union (AU) member states to prioritize women and youth in leadership and ensure financial independence for the organization. Speaking at a high-level AU institutional reforms summit in Nairobi, President Mahama underscored the critical role of inclusive leadership and self-reliance in driving Africa’s progress.
“Africa’s future lies in its youth,” Mahama stated, emphasizing that with over 60% of the continent’s population under 25, the absence of young voices in policymaking is a missed opportunity.
He urged member states to adopt institutional frameworks that promote women and youth leadership at all governance levels. Reflecting on his tenure, Mahama highlighted appointing Ghana’s first female Vice President as a testament to his commitment to gender equity.
On financial independence, the former president expressed concern over the AU’s dependence on external funding, which he described as a threat to the organization’s autonomy. “The over-reliance on external partners compromises our ability to set and execute our own agenda,” he said, advocating for the swift implementation of the Kigali decision on AU financing.
While acknowledging milestones like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the AU’s efforts in peace and security, Mahama called for transformative reforms to address youth unemployment, food insecurity, governance deficits, and climate change. “A self-reliant African Union is not just a vision; it is an imperative,” he stressed.
President Mahama’s remarks resonated with a call to action, urging the AU to build a more inclusive, independent, and resilient future for Africa.
