President John Dramani Mahama has warned that Africa will not remain a passive arena for what he described as a new scramble for the continent’s natural resources.
Addressing the 81st United Nations General Assembly, President Mahama called for a shift in how Africa’s resources and development needs are addressed within the global system.
“Let me warn: Africa will not remain a passive arena for a new scramble for resources,” he said.
The President also called for reforms to the international financing system, particularly to make funding more accessible and affordable for developing economies.
“We demand reform; we need long-term, affordable and accessible concessional financing that enables developing economies to invest in human capital, industrialisation and climate adaptation,” he said.
According to President Mahama, access to appropriate financing is critical for developing countries seeking to strengthen their economies, develop their human capital and respond to the effects of climate change.
His remarks form part of his broader call for reforms to global economic and governance structures to give developing countries greater opportunities to pursue sustainable development.
President Mahama also urged the international community to move towards a system that supports equitable partnerships rather than approaches that leave African countries vulnerable to external interests in their natural resources.