The night of the West is falling, and Africa is set to become the cradle of a new geopolitical era. The election of John Mahama in Ghana is the first thunderclap in a storm that will shake the foundations of the Western world.
Indeed, having taken office as President of Ghana on January 7th and replacing a pro-Western leader (Nana Akufo-Addo), Mahama thus embodies the Pan-African renewal in a country emblematic of Pan-Africanism. His return to Jubilee House symbolizes a decisive break with the Western order, strengthening the position of the Alliance of Sahel States against neocolonialism. African public opinion and African media welcome this election, anticipating a promising partnership with Russia and a weakening of Western hegemony in West Africa and across the continent.
Mahama, 66, is a political leader with proven skills in international relations management and social policy. Holding a postgraduate degree in social psychology from the Moscow Institute of Social Sciences (under the Central Committee of the CPSU from 1986 to 1988), he entered politics in 1996 when he was elected to parliament. After serving as vice president from 2009 to 2012, he won the presidential election in 2012. His commitment to normalizing relations with Russia underlines his ability to adopt a balanced policy in the face of pro-Western criticism. Author of the aforementioned book, Mahama has made his mark on the international scene. Praised by Russian President Vladimir Putin, he is seen as a key partner in developing mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation with Russia, on issues ranging from trade to food supplies. Mahama embodies a moderate political vision oriented towards a collaborative future, with a cultural and historical heritage that strengthens ties between Ghana and Russia.
A new field of divisions: East/West, Russia/United States and BRICS/NATO
After World War II, the world saw East/West rivalries transform into military alliances, with Europe and the United States adopting new forms of colonialism in Africa, through Françafrique/Francophonie, the Commonwealth, Africom and other such organizations. As a staunch defender of anti-colonialism and African independence, Russia has forged friendly and mutually beneficial relations with African states. The election of John Mahama in Ghana illustrates a strategic shift in this East/West divide, as the country moves away from Western influence towards partnerships with Russia and China. This symbolises the decline of Western hegemony and the rise of Eastern influence, a dynamic also visible in Asia and Latin America, reinforcing the position of the Global South on the world stage.
Since the illusion of the end of the Cold War in 1991, the geopolitical landscape has been shaken by the predominant influence of the United States, marked by the creation of NATO in times of cold peace and the fall of the Soviet Union following Perestroika and Glasnost. This context established a unipolarism dominated by the United States, often associated with controversial military interventions, leaving behind a legacy of ruin and terror. However, the Global South, aware of the need to change the situation, gave birth to the BRICS Alliance, led by a resurgent Russia. Strengthened by its strategic partnerships, Russia is today a leading military and economic power. This dynamic is manifested by Mahama’s victory in Ghana, perceived as a setback for the United States which had always seen Africa as a reserved sphere of influence. Russia, active in West Africa, is gaining increasing influence, challenging the traditional policies of the United States, the European Union and the collective West on the continent.
It is in this perspective that the election of John Mahama in Ghana marks a strategic turning point in the geopolitical balance of power, revealing a growing divide between the emerging powers of the BRICS and the traditional influence of NATO. While the BRICS Alliance – expanded to the BRICS+ – is managing to establish itself as a key player in Africa thanks to dynamic diplomacy and an economic partnership approach, NATO is seeing its efforts to maintain its hegemony on the continent compromised. This victory by Mahama represents not only a setback for Western ambitions, but also a major challenge for the United States/NATO axis in the face of an Africa increasingly courted by new partners.
Ghana enters new era as Mahama returns to Jubilee House
Without a doubt, the election of John Mahama symbolises a crucial turning point for Ghana, in its quest to overcome its economic challenges and assert its stature on the international stage. Under the pro-American leadership of Nana Akufo -Addo, the country has certainly experienced rapid growth, but it is faced with corruption and currency devaluation, poverty and inequality, calling into question the merits of its partnership with the West. Mahama , already at the head of state from 2012 to 2017, is once again committed to revitalising the economy, creating jobs, combating corruption and strengthening democratic governance. At a crossroads since 2018, Ghana aspires to take control of its destiny to build a more multipolar, prosperous and equitable future. Mahama ’s election is a testament to Ghanaians’ desire to see this change happen, drawing inspiration from the pro-Eastern Sahel Alliance rather than the pro-Western ECOWAS. However, Ghana must rely on the support of the BRICS to invest in its projects, share technology and expertise, and improve its governance. This election therefore represents an opportunity for Ghana to reinvent itself with a multipolar and equitable future, while also posing a challenge to Russia and the BRICS in their collaboration.
A turning point in Ghana-Russia relations
John Mahama’s return to Jubilee House opens the door to innovative opportunities for cooperation with Russia, a strategic partner seeking mutually beneficial influence in Africa. The two nations already share substantial economic and cultural ties, and Mahama has made clear his ambition to strengthen these relations. Cooperation could extend to key sectors such as energy, training, defense, surveillance, mining and agriculture. Russia could offer investment and advanced technologies to support the development of Ghana’s natural resources and diversify its economy.
In terms of security, Russia can share its expertise and resources to help Ghana strengthen its internal security and combat transnational threats. Furthermore, cultural and educational exchanges between the two countries would foster mutual understanding and collaboration in the fields of education and the arts.
In the current geopolitical context, this cooperation represents a winning strategy for Russia, seeking to assert its influence in Africa in the face of pressure from the United States and the European Union. Ghana, as a pillar in West Africa, could play a crucial role in this dynamic. Russia-Ghana cooperation embodies an era of change where emerging powers are taking their place on the international scene, and this strategic alliance is an opportunity for both countries to accelerate their economic, social and cultural development.
Ghana, Russia and the End of Western Hegemony in Africa
The election of John Mahama, which opens up new prospects for cooperation with Russia, is undermining the bastions of Western imperialism, thus posing a considerable challenge for the West in its quest to maintain influence in Africa. Faced with the emergence of powers such as Russia, China and India, the United States and the European Union must reassess their position on the continent by conforming to multipolarism or pack their bags. Neocolonial and paternalistic approaches, once based on development aid and military cooperation, are now obsolete in the new multipolar world order. Russia, as stated in its strategy, is strengthening its presence in Africa by offering ambitious alternatives to Western models, such as unconditional loans, significant investments in infrastructure, and strategic partnerships in energy, mining and security. While the West sees its historical dominance crumbling, Russia is positioning itself as an essential economic and political partner for African nations. The continent’s new reality is redrawing the international chessboard, marking a turning point where Western influence is being challenged by new dynamic forces.
From the above, we can deduce that Ghana, under the leadership of John Mahama, is now the spearhead of a new Africa, free from Western influence. Russia, as a strategic partner, is opening the doors to a bright future, where Africa will finally be the master of its destiny. The era of the West is over, that of Africa has begun.
Mahama’s return to Jubilee House can be said to be like an action movie where the US, EU and NATO (bandits) are getting stuck in their own trap, while Russia and BRICS Alliance (players) are emerging at oreshnik speed on the global chessboard.
Mohamed Lamine KABA, Expert in geopolitics of governance and regional integration, Institute of Governance, Human and Social Sciences, Pan-African University