Mahama links greater sovereignty to stronger domestic accountability

Story by: Regina Bless

President John Dramani Mahama has linked Ghana’s pursuit of greater sovereignty and control over its development priorities to stronger domestic accountability and responsible management of public resources.

Speaking at a high-level event on the Accra Reset in New York on September 21, 2026, President Mahama stressed that greater control over national resources must be accompanied by transparency, effective fiscal management and accountability to citizens.

He said Ghana’s Resetting Ghana Agenda is focused on strengthening fiscal controls, tackling corruption and ensuring that public resources are properly accounted for.

“If we demand control, we must earn it through uncompromising domestic accountability,” President Mahama said.

He emphasised that every public resource must be subject to proper oversight, describing accountability as an essential component of any effort by countries in the Global South to exercise greater ownership over their development.

According to the President, the principle extends beyond Ghana to countries across the Global South. He argued that national ownership and control should go hand in hand with responsibility to citizens and transparent management of public resources.

The remarks form part of the broader Accra Reset agenda, which seeks to promote stronger domestic capacity, sustainable financing and greater self-reliance while maintaining strategic cooperation with international partners.

President Mahama’s comments also underline the importance of strengthening institutions and fiscal systems so that greater national control translates into measurable development outcomes and public confidence.