TIME Magazine is one of the world’s most influential publications. It has featured global leaders, innovators, and changemakers for over a century. For many, being featured in TIME is a sign of international relevance and impact. That is why President John Dramani Mahama’s recent interview with the magazine is so significant.
In the interview, Mahama shared his economic vision, views on foreign aid, and belief that Africa must take charge of its own future.
His personality came through clearly: witty, bold, and unafraid of controversy. At one point, he joked, “It will get me into trouble again!” after discussing his op-ed in The Guardian, where he criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments about Africa and South Africa. The interview portrayed Mahama as a confident and outspoken leader ready to push for African reform.
He spoke about his “Resetting Ghana” agenda, which has halved inflation and strengthened the cedi. His plan includes a 24-hour economy, free tertiary education for first-year students, and free sanitary products for girls. These measures aim to rebuild the economy and restore public trust.
Still, Mahama’s second term began with challenges. U.S. cuts to USAID funding hit African countries hard. Ghana lost $156 million in support for health, education, and research. Yet, Mahama said the country adjusted.
“We’ve covered it with our budget,” he explained, urging other nations to become more self-reliant.
He also criticized U.S. trade tariffs, calling them “ineffective foreign policy.” Mahama warned that such decisions weaken America’s influence and strengthen rivals like China. Yet, he believes the shift away from aid could make Africa stronger. “It teaches us to be self-reliant,” he said.
In closing, Mahama described a confident and ambitious Africa. “The future is African,” he declared at the UN General Assembly — a message he repeated to TIME, calling for innovation, unity, and independence.
