President John Mahama has urged African leaders to tackle corruption as a critical step toward economic transformation.
In a speech emphasising trade, industrialisation, and governance, President Mahama highlighted how corruption continues to erode Africa’s economic potential and stall progress.
He acknowledged the continent’s vast natural resources, youthful population, and technological advancements but warned that corruption remains a persistent obstacle to sustainable development.
“Prosperity cannot be achieved without good governance, transparency, and accountability,” he said. “Investors and businesses thrive where there is stability, predictable policies, and the rule of law.”
He said this in a speech he delivered at the Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2025 in Accra.
Corruption’s Cost to Development
Corruption syphons off billions of dollars annually from African economies, diverting much-needed resources from infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
President Mahama lamented that despite Africa’s commitment to democratic governance, corruption has undermined trust in institutions and stunted economic progress.
“Our youth are tired and frustrated at the lack of opportunities to realise their dreams and aspirations,” he said. “Our decision to embrace democratic governance was supposed to yield a dividend that would improve the lives of our people and bring prosperity to all. Unfortunately, progress has been sluggish and intangible.”
He stressed that the success of initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) depends on eliminating corruption-related inefficiencies that hinder trade and investment.
A Call to Action
President Mahama urged African leaders to move beyond rhetoric and take decisive action to fight corruption. “The decisions we make at this conference must not end in resolutions alone,” he declared. “We must act with urgency, determination, and a shared vision for prosperity.”
Quoting Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Mahama reminded the audience: “The forces that unite us are intrinsic and greater than the superimposed influences that keep us apart.” He called for collective responsibility in eliminating corruption and ensuring that Africa’s resources serve the greater good.
The Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2025 concluded with a commitment from leaders to prioritise good governance, signaling hope that Africa can turn the tide against corruption and unlock its full economic potential. Other African leaders, who participated in the Presidential Session of the Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2025 were President Faure Gnassigbe of Togo and President Azali Assoumani of the Comoros.
