African Leaders Must Control Resources and End Reliance on Aid - John Mahama

Former President John Dramani Mahama has called on African nations to change how they work with Western countries. He urged the continent to take direct control of its natural resources, economic growth, and development goals.

​Speaking in an interview with TRT World on Friday, August 21, 2026, Mahama explained that Africa’s heavy reliance on foreign aid and lack of control over raw material prices have created a long-standing cycle of dependency. He noted that this problem dates back to the global systems created after World War II.

"Western nations set the prices for buying Africa’s raw materials as well as the prices for the finished goods sold back to the continent. Relying heavily on foreign aid prevents African countries from building strong, self-reliant economies" John Mahama stated.

The President continued to argue that the move is jot to halt international partnerships and collaborations but to give africa the sovereignty of it's resources.

"The goal is not to stop working with international partners, but to form fair relationships where African nations have a real say in their own development" he added

​Mahama emphasized that Africa must take deliberate steps to control its wealth and decide its own economic future rather than relying on external handouts.

@JoyNews