Africa's next struggle is economic emancipation, not political independence - Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama identified economic emancipation as the next frontier for Ghana, Jamaica, and other African nations, addressing participants at a Special High-Level Reparations Dialogue at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica. He stated, "The battle that confronts us now is not the battle for liberation-we're independent anyway-the battle that confronts us is how we can cooperate to increase our economic development and create prosperity for our people. And so the battle now is the battle for economic emancipation."

President Mahama urged stronger collaboration to accelerate development and improve living standards across the continent and the Caribbean. He noted that the era of political liberation had been achieved, but countries must now focus on building strong economies capable of delivering prosperity for their citizens. He highlighted the historic ties between Ghana and Jamaica, noting the influence of Pan-African thinkers and leaders, including Jamaica's Marcus Garvey, on Ghana's independence movement and the broader struggle for African liberation. President Mahama said that while the sacrifices of past leaders secured political freedom, the current generation must work towards economic independence through deeper partnerships, trade, and shared development initiatives.