Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama called for stronger empowerment of youth and women and for the African Union (AU) to gain financial independence during a recent high-level retreat on AU reforms in Nairobi.
With more than 60% of Africa’s population under 25, Mahama stated that the continent’s future hinges on the engagement of its young people. He emphasized the need for frameworks that provide opportunities for youth and women to assume leadership positions across all levels of governance. “Their voices must be included in the policymaking process to ensure diverse societal needs are represented,” Mahama said. He also cited Ghana’s election of its first female Vice President as a promising step toward inclusive leadership.
On the subject of the AU’s finances, Mahama urged for the implementation of the Kigali Decision on Financing the Union, which he believes would reduce Africa’s reliance on external funding. He argued that financial autonomy would enable the AU to set its own agenda, focused on transparency, accountability, and real change.
