President John Mahama has urged a fresh drive toward economic self-reliance, technological independence, and deeper continental cohesion, cautioning that Africa still confronts emerging forms of external control long after securing political freedom.

According to the president, “Africa remains a continent rich in natural resources but poor in global influence,” he stated, adding that although the chains of colonialism have been broken, the continent now faces “economic, technological, ideological and political."

He mentioned this at the official opening of the 80th anniversary commemoration of the Fifth Pan-African Congress at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, adding that the continent’s vast natural wealth has not translated into significant influence on the global stage.

He also argued that Africa cannot rely solely on political freedom when the global system continues to limit the continent’s economic, technological, and environmental progress. “Political liberation must open the door to economic and social liberation."

Read also: Mahama insists that political freedom isn’t enough for Africa

The two-day conference has drawn delegates from over 50 countries from Africa and the diaspora.