President John Dramani Mahama has called for a renewed push toward economic liberation, technological sovereignty, and stronger continental unity, warning that Africa continues to face new forms of domination despite decades of political independence.
Speaking at the official opening of the 80th anniversary commemoration of the Fifth Pan-African Congress at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, President Mahama stated that Africa’s vast natural wealth has not translated into significant influence on the global stage.
“Africa remains a continent rich in natural resources but poor in global influence,” he stated, adding that although the chains of colonialism have been broken, the continent now faces “economic, technological, ideological and political” forms of domination.
He stressed that political independence was only the first step envisioned by the early Pan-Africanists who convened in Manchester in 1945. “Political liberation must open the door to economic and social liberation,” he said.
Reflecting on the significance of the Fifth Pan-African Congress, President Mahama noted that the 1945 gathering became “the turning point that accelerated the liberation of our continent from colonial domination.”
He recalled the efforts of historic figures such as Kwame Nkrumah, George Padmore, W.E.B. Du Bois, Jomo Kenyatta, and Ras Makonnen, saying they carried the hopes of millions and left a clear message: “Africa must take its destiny into its own hands … and the dignity of African people is not negotiable.”
The President cautioned that Africa’s modern challenges are more complex, pointing to the struggle for economic transformation, climate justice, technological independence, and a fairer global financial order.
He insisted that Africa’s youthful population, natural resources, and cultural dynamism must translate into real opportunities.
He also criticised the existing global political and financial architecture for undermining Africa’s progress, particularly in climate negotiations.
“Africa contributes least to global emissions yet suffers most,” he said.
“We must approach global climate negotiations not as passive recipients of aid, but as equal partners demanding fairness, investment, and respect for our right to develop.”
As part of efforts to deepen continental integration, President Mahama announced plans to form a League of African Free Movement Countries, an initial group of seven nations that will abolish visa requirements for each other’s citizens.
“I will write to the Presidents of the seven countries. If any of our citizens want to travel to each other’s countries, they won’t require a visa,” he said, describing the initiative as the first step toward a borderless Africa.
“It is a shame that we still have to travel to each other’s countries asking for a visa.”
Mr. Mahama urged African leaders to focus on empowering young people, noting that more than 60 percent of the continent’s population is under 35.
“The next generation of Pan-Africanists will not gather in secret rooms. They will gather in innovation hubs, coding labs, creative studios, and digital communities,” he said.
