Mahama urges Global South to build own capacity as debt pressures mount

Pinned summary · as of 16:36

President John Dramani Mahama told a gathering of foundation leaders in New York that developing countries need more home-grown capability, stronger institutions and dependable financing. He spoke on Monday at a roundtable hosted by the Open Society Foundation, held alongside the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

What we know

• The roundtable was organised by the Open Society Foundation on the margins of the 81st UN General Assembly, and leaders of large global foundations attended to talk about development, financing and stronger institutions across the Global South.
• Mahama said countries in the Global South, which face growing debt pressure and a shifting international development landscape, should build domestic capacity, effective institutions and sustainable financing.
• He said the priority should be creating jobs, improving public services, building infrastructure and widening opportunities, especially for young people.
• Mahama defined sovereignty, in this setting, as a country's ability to act for itself.
• He called for closer coordination inside government, raising more revenue at home, careful management of money, and institutions able to show measurable results.
• Mahama argued that approaches which work should then be absorbed into public systems, local delivery bodies and long-term financing arrangements.

Why it matters for Ghana

Debt pressure and changes in aid and development funding affect how far governments can pay for services such as schools, clinics and roads. The president's message signals the priorities Ghana is putting before international partners, including jobs for young people who make up a large share of the country's population. Whether these calls turn into policy will be judged on domestic revenue and spending decisions at home.