President John Dramani Mahama has urged countries in the Global South to strengthen their domestic institutions and mobilise more local resources as they confront rising debt pressures and changes in the international development financing system.
He said countries needed to develop the capacity to finance and implement their own development priorities rather than remain heavily dependent on external support.
President Mahama made the call on Monday, September 21, 2026, at a Presidential Roundtable organised by the Open Society Foundation in New York on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
He said development strategies should ultimately translate into jobs, improved public services, infrastructure and expanded opportunities, particularly for young people.
“When I speak about sovereignty in this context, I am speaking about the capacity to act,” he said.
Focus on domestic resources
The President stressed the importance of stronger domestic resource mobilisation and sound financial management in enabling governments to respond effectively to development challenges.
He also called for improved coordination across government and institutions capable of translating policies into measurable outcomes.
According to him, the effectiveness of development interventions should be assessed not only by the resources committed but also by whether they produce sustainable results for communities.
He said successful initiatives should not remain isolated projects but should be incorporated into public systems and supported by sustainable financing.
“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.
Global South development financing
The roundtable brought together presidents and chief executives of major global foundations to discuss sustainable development, financing and institutional strengthening across the Global South.
The discussions took place against the backdrop of growing pressure on developing countries to finance development while managing debt obligations and navigating changes in international aid and development support.
President Mahama’s intervention placed emphasis on strengthening domestic capacity and institutions as part of efforts by countries in the Global South to maintain control over their development priorities and deliver sustainable economic and social outcomes.
