President John Dramani Mahama, has called for significant reforms in the African Union (AU) to ensure a brighter and more inclusive future for the continent.
With over 60% of Africa’s population under the age of 25, the continent’s future is heavily reliant on its young people.
Mr. Mahama emphasized the need for institutional frameworks that not only empower youth and women but also position them to lead at all levels of governance.
According to the President, “We must institutionalise frameworks that enable them and women to lead at all levels of governance. Their voices must be amplified in the policymaking process to reflect the diverse needs of our society.”
” The recent election of Ghana’s first female vice president is a promising step for us in Ghana towards inclusive leadership, and I remain committed to this cause.”
In addition to gender empowerment, President Mahama highlighted the importance of the AU’s financial independence, and called for the full implementation of the Kigali Decision on Financing the Union, which aims to reduce the continent’s reliance on external funding.
This would allow Africans to set its own agenda and focus on accountability, transparency, and real change for the African people.
In conclusion, President Mahama expressed gratitude to President William Ruto for hosting the retreat and for his leadership in advancing the process of institutional reform within the AU.
