Former President John Mahama says the Coronavirus pandemic has exposed the weaknesses in the economic paradigm of African countries.
John Mahama, however, observes that with effective and innovative leadership the situation could turn around.
Most African countries have been found wanting in the area of health infrastructure as the virus continues to put pressure on health facilities and healthcare workers across the globe.
In a statement to mark Africa Day which falls Monday, May 25, the former President said “COVID-19 has exposed the structural weaknesses of our economic paradigm as exporters of primary goods and importers of finished products.
“But with innovative leadership and a belief in especially our enterprising and dynamic young people, we can and we should turn the wheels of the African Economy back on track.
Happy AU Day”.
Africa Day is the annual commemoration of the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity on 25 May 1963. It is celebrated in various countries on the African continent, as well as around the world.
Below is the full statement
Seven years ago, I joined my colleague Heads of State in Addis Ababa to celebrate the 50th anniversary of our Continental Union, the African Union.
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We adopted #Agenda2063 as our blueprint for transforming our continent into a future significant global partner.
Across our continent, as we celebrate #AfricaDay on Monday May 25, we must dedicate ourselves as a people and governments towards realizing the objectives of #Agenda2063 and building #TheAfricaWeWant.
COVID-19 has exposed the structural weaknesses of our economic paradigm as exporters of primary goods and importers of finished products. But with innovative leadership and a belief in especially our enterprising and dynamic young people, we can and we should turn the wheels of the African Economy back on track.
Happy AU Day.
John Dramani Mahama
Cantonments – Accra
