Ghana has launched a strong appeal for a fundamental change in how the world provides development aid. The government stated that falling aid and increasing debt are dangerously straining developing economies. This call came during a major conference in Paris focused on global development cooperation.
Deputy Chief of Staff Nana Oye Bampoe Addo spoke at the OECD Headquarters. She represented President John Mahama before over 250 international development leaders. The conference aimed to shape the future of global development efforts. Ms. Bampoe Addo described a troubling decline in aid. Official development assistance from wealthier nations, part of the Development Assistance Committee, fell by 23.1% in real terms in 2025. This drop represents a staggering GHS 50 billion loss in just one year. It is the largest annual decrease ever recorded.
The situation is particularly dire for Africa. Bilateral aid to sub-Saharan Africa saw a decrease of over 26%. Humanitarian aid also dropped sharply, by nearly 36%. African governments are now spending more than GHS 80 billion annually to pay back their debts. This debt servicing cost is close to the GHS 95 billion they receive in total external funding. This stark financial reality forms the backdrop for Ghana's strong stance in Paris. The country is facing significant economic pressure from reduced external support and mounting debt obligations.
In response to this failing system, Ghana introduced the "Accra Reset." This initiative is presented as Africa's answer to the current global development model. President Mahama co-founded the Accra Reset. It aims to fundamentally change how development cooperation works. The plan focuses on building stronger national abilities, reforming institutions, and ensuring fairness. It emphasizes mutual responsibility among countries in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Ms. Bampoe Addo outlined key parts of the Accra Reset. These include plans to change global health systems. They also involve creating platforms for industrial coordination. A cross-border digital skills program is also part of the plan. This program aims to create 150,000 jobs within five years.
Ghana urged the OECD to treat initiatives like the Accra Reset as equal contributions. They should not be seen merely as suggestions. Ghana's delegation also held discussions with Pilar Garrido, the OECD Director of Development Co-operation. These talks explored ways for the OECD and the Accra Reset to work together. Ghana's embassy in Paris also hosted Ms. Bampoe Addo. She met with Ambassador Mavis Ama Frimpong. Ms. Bampoe Addo informed embassy staff about the Accra Reset's goals. She assured them that Ghana is now on a better path under President Mahama.
The Accra Reset initiative signifies Ghana's commitment to redefining its role in global development. It seeks to ensure that the priorities of the Global South are better represented. This push for a new development paradigm comes as many developing nations struggle with financial instability. The trend of declining aid and rising debt poses a significant challenge to achieving sustainable development goals. Ghana's proactive approach in seeking reform reflects a growing desire among developing countries for greater self-determination and equitable partnerships.