President John Dramani Mahama received an honorary doctorate in Russia, and used the moment to send a direct message to Africa's current generation of leaders: the time for words is over.
Speaking at the occasion, Mahama challenged his fellow African leaders to move beyond rhetoric and give practical expression to the aspirations of the continent's founding fathers. It was a pointed reminder that the dreams of those who fought for independence were never meant to stay on the page.
The honorary degree adds to Mahama's growing profile on the global stage as Ghana's returned president, and the choice of Russia as the setting signals the widening diplomatic circles he is moving in. For a continent watching its leaders court new alliances, the moment carries weight beyond the ceremonial.
The question now is whether the call to action lands, or whether it joins the long list of stirring speeches that inspired a room and changed very little after.
Originally published by AllAfrica.