Davos: Africa plans to play a role in shaping the emerging global system, Ghanian President John Dramani Mahama said Thursday in Davos, Switzerland, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum, urging the continent to rely on its initiative.

According to Anadolu Agency, President Mahama highlighted concerns about the current multilateral order, suggesting that it is under threat and advocating for the formation of a new Coalition of the Willing, grounded in mutual respect and a shared vision. He spoke at the Accra Reset event, pointing out that many countries are increasingly making deals on a transactional basis, prioritizing national interests and thus signaling the breakdown of the post-World War II multilateral system.

President Mahama expressed concerns over the decline in global humanitarian aid, as developed countries, including those in Europe, reduce overseas development assistance to redirect funds toward defense in response to an unpredictable ally across the Atlantic. He noted that many African countries find themselves in a 'triple dependency,' reliant on external entities for security decisions, health and education systems, and in exporting critical minerals without capturing significant value.

"This isn't sovereignty. It is a trap, and it's getting worse," Mahama stated, urging African nations to consolidate their negotiating power on critical minerals to retain more value and exercise greater sovereignty over natural resources to foster prosperity for their populations.

He emphasized the need for collective negotiation, warning that separate bargaining weakens Africa's position. Acting together on issues like minerals, trade, and climate finance, he argued, would provide much greater leverage. "Unity should not be just a slogan. It must be our strategy," Mahama concluded.