President John Dramani Mahama has called on international partners and philanthropic organisations to move away from short-term projects and focus more on helping developing countries build strong systems for the future.

He said international support should help countries develop the skills and institutions needed to plan, implement and sustain their own development programmes.

President Mahama made the call at an Open Society Foundations presidential roundtable on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Mahama did the 'right things' to turn Ghana's economy around – Dangote

He said international partners should work more closely with local institutions that have the capacity to deliver projects effectively.

“Can international cooperation do more to build national capability and work through local systems when they meet required standards? Can we reduce unnecessary duplication while protecting accountability?” he asked.

President Mahama also said philanthropic organisations had an important role to play in areas where private businesses may not be willing or able to invest.

He said they could support the development of institutions, new programmes and social projects until they become strong enough to be taken over by public institutions and other local organisations.

According to him, such an approach would allow countries to take greater ownership of their development and determine which areas require the most attention.

DR/MA

Foundries, Machines and Jet Engines: Ghana’s untapped engineering potential