John Dramani Mahama has pointed to improvements in aviation and maritime connectivity as tangible evidence that Africa’s integration drive is gaining momentum, even as he called for faster execution of key financial reforms.

Speaking at the “Accra Reset’s Addis Reckoning” forum during the 39th Assembly of the African Union in Addis Ababa, President Mahama said transport and logistics advancements demonstrate that continental cooperation is achievable when backed by commitment.

He praised ASKY Airlines for strengthening air connectivity across West Africa and commended Ethiopian Airlines for building one of the most extensive route networks on the continent.


Beyond aviation, he highlighted emerging maritime services along Africa’s western coast, including refrigerated cargo vessels redistributing goods between Dakar and Douala. He also referenced discussions around a proposed ferry system linking Accra, Lagos, and Monrovia to boost regional trade flows.

“Once supply and demand are in place, the logistics will follow,” he observed, suggesting that market forces would sustain and expand new infrastructure investments.

However, President Mahama stressed that infrastructure progress must be matched by financial system reforms, particularly the establishment of a Pan-African payment and settlement platform to eliminate reliance on foreign currencies in intra-African trade.

Describing the moment as an “Addis reckoning,” he urged African leaders to translate integration ambitions into measurable results.

“As we said, this is the Addis reckoning. From Addis, we must stop talking and start implementing,” he concluded.

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