Mahama urges African, Caribbean youth to become innovators and problem-solvers

Former Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has called on young Africans and people of African descent across the diaspora to embrace innovation and entrepreneurship to drive development. Speaking at a joint sitting of the Jamaican Parliament during a state visit, Mahama highlighted the transformative potential of the current generation.

“

Our youth are the generation that will define the next chapter of our shared history.

"Our youth are the generation that will define the next chapter of our shared history," Mahama stated. He noted that today's youth possess the resilience of their ancestors alongside opportunities unimaginable to previous generations, amplified by accessible technology and knowledge. He urged them to "Dream boldly, lead with integrity, innovate with purpose, build enterprises that create jobs, use technology to solve problems and serve your communities with compassion."

“

Our youth have inherited the courage of our ancestors, but they also possess opportunities that our ancestors could scarcely have imagined. Technology has connected our continents. Knowledge has become more accessible than at any time in history. Innovation has created possibilities that previous generations could only have dreamed about.

Mahama also underscored the responsibility of governments to foster environments that allow young people to realize their potential. He called for societies built on quality education, equal opportunity, innovation, democratic governance, and shared prosperity. The former president linked Africa's 21st-century liberation not just to political freedom but also to intellectual confidence, innovation, and economic transformation, echoing Bob Marley's call to "Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery."

“

Dream boldly, lead with integrity, innovate with purpose, build enterprises that create jobs, use technology to solve problems and serve your communities with compassion. Never doubt your ability to change your country, your continent and the world.

He challenged the younger generation to view themselves as heirs to a legacy, emphasizing the need for confidence in their own institutions and capabilities, coupled with a commitment to accountability and excellence. Mahama believes that intellectual confidence and economic transformation are key to the continent's future.

“

Our responsibility as leaders is to build societies that match your ambitions, societies founded on quality education, equal opportunity, innovation, democratic governance and shared prosperity.