By: Kenneth Appiah Bani
President John Dramani Mahama has called on African countries to take greater responsibility for shaping and financing their own future, stressing that lasting peace must be built on African ownership and solutions that reflect the continent’s realities.
He made the remarks during the 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, where he attended discussions on the theme, “Pathways to Peace in Africa: Economic Sovereignty and Geopolitical Transformation.”
In his welcome remarks, President Mahama noted that the Tana Forum had, for more than a decade, provided an authentic African platform for open discussions and homegrown solutions to the continent’s security challenges.
He said the rapidly changing global environment, characterised by growing geopolitical rivalries, competition for Africa’s strategic minerals, supply chain disruptions and technological advancements, presented significant challenges for African countries.
According to him, Africa must not remain passive in the face of these developments or allow the continent to become a battleground for competing foreign interests.
President Mahama emphasised that Africa’s diversity, experiences, innovative ideas and growing population offered several pathways to achieving lasting peace and stability.
Quoting an African proverb, “There are many roads to the market,” he highlighted the importance of embracing different approaches while ensuring that solutions remain rooted in African realities.
He reiterated that African countries must take the lead in determining their development priorities and mobilising the resources needed to secure a peaceful and prosperous future for the continent.
The Tana High-Level Forum brings together African leaders and other stakeholders to deliberate on peace, security and governance challenges facing the continent.
