Julius Debrah
Africans have been urged to turn their commitments into practical actions that will improve lives and shape the continent’s future.
Speaking on behalf of President John Mahama at the Elevate Africa Annual Convening 2026 in Accra, Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, challenged participants to identify initiatives they were prepared to finance, implement and account for, to ensure measurable development outcomes.
“I have one challenge for all of us gathered here today. Before we leave Accra, let each one of us identify one commitment we are prepared to finance, implement and account for when we meet next again,” he said.
He said the commitments could include investing in young African enterprises, removing barriers to regional trade, and expanding access to education and economic opportunities.
“Whatever you choose, let it be practical, measurable and capable of improving lives. Let Accra be remembered for what we began here, not simply for what we have said here,” he added.
Mr. Debrah drew inspiration from his mother, whom he described as someone who understood the importance of investing in the future despite having limited resources.
He warned that future generations would judge the current generation by its actions and its ability to position Africa to benefit from global changes.
Co-founder of Elevate Africa, His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, also challenged African leaders to consider how they would be remembered for the opportunities inherited from previous generations.
“History will judge us less by what we possess than by what we built. Less by what we inherited than by what we passed on,” he said.
He stressed that leadership required a commitment to creating lasting opportunities and preparing future generations to shape their own destinies.
According to him, Ghana’s independence in 1957 demonstrated that a different future was possible, and strengthened the aspirations of millions across Africa seeking freedom.
He recalled that Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, understood that the significance of independence extended beyond national borders, adding that the progress of one African country was strengthened by its contribution to the development of others.
His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III said Africa must move beyond dependence on natural resource extraction and focus on creating value through the ingenuity of its people.
“Africa must be known not only for what she extracts from the earth, but for what she creates through the ingenuity of her people,” he stressed.
He acknowledged the contributions of entrepreneurs, innovators and creatives across the continent but noted that access to opportunities remained unevenly distributed.
He, therefore, called for greater investment in technology, education, healthcare, agriculture and the creative industries to ensure that talent was not wasted because opportunities remained inaccessible.
The Elevate Africa Annual Convening 2026 which started on Wednesday, October 28 and ended on Thursday, October 29, brought together Heads of State, Ministers of State, policymakers, entrepreneurs, stakeholders, traditional leaders and other dignitaries from Ghana and various parts of Africa.
By Ebenezer K. Amponsah