Mahama Calls for Stronger Institutions and Domestic Financing to Drive Global South Development

President John Dramani Mahama has called for stronger domestic capacity, effective institutions and sustainable financing to help countries in the Global South address growing debt pressures and disruptions in international development.

Speaking at a Presidential Roundtable organised by the Open Society Foundation in New York on Monday, September 21, on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, President Mahama said countries must strengthen their ability to respond to development challenges using sustainable and locally driven solutions.

He said governments must prioritise job creation, improved public services, infrastructure development and expanded opportunities for young people.

“When I speak about sovereignty in this context, I am speaking about the capacity to act,” President Mahama stated.

He also stressed the importance of stronger coordination across government, increased domestic resource mobilisation, sound financial management and institutions capable of delivering measurable results.

According to him, successful approaches should not remain isolated initiatives but should be incorporated into public systems and supported through sustainable financing arrangements.

“Where an approach proves successful, the next step should be its adoption into public systems, local delivery institutions, and long-term financing models,” he said.

The roundtable brought together presidents and chief executives of major global foundations to discuss sustainable development, financing and institutional strengthening across the Global South.