President John Dramani Mahama said to world leaders, Africa will be central to shaping the future of global governance and development, declaring at the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York that “the future is African.”
Tracing Africa’s marginal role in the founding of the UN in 1945, Mahama said the continent’s growing demographic weight and resilience mean it must no longer be sidelined in decision-making.
By 2050, he noted, one in four people worldwide, and one in three young people will be African.
Mahama urged a “reset agenda” for the UN itself, calling for reforms of outdated structures that continue to deny Africa permanent representation on the Security Council.
“If not now, then when?” he asked, pressing for a permanent African seat with veto powers.
Mahama also demanded a reset of global financial systems “rigged against Africa,” and called for reparations for slavery and colonial exploitation.
“The slave trade must be recognised as the greatest crime against humanity,” he said, adding that Ghana would table a motion to that effect.
On pressing conflicts, Mahama condemned the violence in Gaza, urging the Assembly to confront “the crimes in Gaza” without euphemism.
He also highlighted the war in Sudan as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, warning that climate refugees from the Global South are being unfairly targeted by xenophobia and racism.
Turning to Ghana’s domestic reforms, Mahama outlined progress under his government’s economic reset agenda, including inflation cut from 23.8% in December 2024 to 11.5% by August 2025, a stronger cedi, and renewed investor confidence.
“Our 24-Hour Economy Initiative promises to transform our economy,” he said.
Mr. Mahama closed by stressing the importance of inclusion, celebrating Ghana’s first female Vice President, Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, and urging that the UN appoint its first woman Secretary-General. “Words matter, but representation matters even more,” he said.
Source: myxyzonline.com/J.W. Quarm
