Former President John Mahama has charged African leaders to come up with innovative leadership style to carry the dreams and aspirations of the continent's teaming youth.

In a message to mark Africa Union Day, he said the coronavirus pandemic which has brought the world on its knees "has exposed the structural weaknesses of our economic paradigm as exporters of primary goods and importers of finished products."

But Mr Mahama is hopeful that with good leadership together with "a belief in the enterprising and dynamic young people we can and we should turn the wheels of the African Economy back on track."

Below is his message

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.

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 realising 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