Mahama Warns Africa Against Becoming Battleground for Global Powers

President John Dramani Mahama has warned against Africa becoming a battleground for geopolitical rivalries, as major global powers intensify competition over critical minerals, supply chains and technological advancement.

He has consequently called on African countries to take a proactive role in shaping the emerging global order rather than remaining passive participants in decisions that could determine the continent’s economic and security future.

President Mahama made the call at the 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa, held in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, on Saturday, October 24, 2026.

According to information shared on the official X account of Jubilee House, the President emphasised the need for Africa to assert its strategic interests amid changing geopolitical dynamics and increasing global competition for resources.

His remarks come against the backdrop of growing international interest in Africa’s critical minerals, which are important to emerging technologies, renewable energy systems and advanced manufacturing.

Economic Sovereignty

President Mahama also identified economic sovereignty and justice as essential foundations for lasting peace and sustainable security across the continent.

He cited the Accra Reset initiative as a framework for addressing Africa’s structural economic challenges, including dependency, unsustainable debt and inequalities within the international financial system.

The President’s position underscores the relationship between economic independence and political stability, particularly as African countries confront development financing challenges and evolving global economic pressures.

He advocated a shift away from structural dependency towards an economic framework that would give African countries greater control over their development priorities.

African-Led Solutions

Turning to continental security, President Mahama highlighted the importance of the Tana High-Level Forum as a platform for addressing Africa’s peace, governance and security challenges.

He described the forum as an African-led initiative that promotes open dialogue, strategic foresight and homegrown solutions to the continent’s challenges.

His remarks placed emphasis on African ownership of security and governance responses rather than excessive reliance on externally driven interventions.

The Tana High-Level Forum brings together African leaders and other stakeholders to deliberate on pressing peace and security issues affecting the continent.

President Mahama’s intervention at the forum centred on the need to strengthen Africa’s collective influence in international affairs while addressing the economic vulnerabilities that could undermine its security and development.

His position also drew attention to the connection between Africa’s economic interests and the geopolitical competition surrounding its natural resources.

The President’s message was that Africa must help determine the direction of the emerging international order while pursuing economic justice, stronger continental cooperation and sustainable peace.

**For more ** news**, join The Chronicle ** Newspaper** channel on WhatsApp: **https://whatsapp.com/channel

The post Mahama Warns Africa Against Becoming Battleground for Global Powers appeared first on The Ghanaian Chronicle.