Ghana calls for UN reforms and greater African representation on Security Council

Ghana has called for reforms to the United Nations (UN) to ensure greater African representation in global decision-making and make the organisation more responsive to the needs of its member states.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs made the call in a statement issued on October 21, 2026, ahead of the 81st anniversary of United Nations Day, which will be commemorated on October 24.

The celebration is being observed under the theme, “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for Africa.”

According to the Ministry, the anniversary presents an opportunity to renew international cooperation and strengthen the effectiveness of the UN in addressing global challenges, including conflicts, inequality, climate change, economic pressures, displacement and rapid technological transformation.

Ghana said the theme reflects President John Dramani Mahama’s advocacy for a fairer international order that reflects contemporary global realities and provides Africa with a stronger voice in international affairs.

It cited the President’s address at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he criticised the continued absence of permanent African representation on the UN Security Council despite the continent’s position as the largest regional voting bloc in the General Assembly.

The Ministry stressed that meaningful reform of the international system was necessary to ensure that Africa’s priorities and interests were adequately represented in global decisions.

It also called for reforms to the international financial architecture to make financing more affordable for developing countries.

Other priorities identified by Ghana include climate justice, adding value to Africa’s natural resources, promoting industrialisation and creating jobs to support inclusive economic transformation across the continent.

The statement further emphasised that restoring confidence in multilateralism requires accountability and good governance at all levels.

It said development initiatives and democratic governance must translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives, including better access to healthcare, education, economic opportunities and social protection.

The Ministry noted that the UN Day commemoration would highlight collaboration between the United Nations, Ghana, civil society, the private sector, young people and other stakeholders to translate international commitments into practical solutions.

It added that Africa’s youthful population, natural resources, digital transformation, innovation and regional integration should play important roles in shaping the continent’s future.

Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to a strong and effective multilateral system that promotes international peace and security, climate change mitigation, human rights protection and inclusive opportunities for all.

The Ministry said a United Nations that serves Africa must listen to the continent, reflect its priorities in global decision-making and support partnerships that deliver meaningful results.

It called on the international community to renew its commitment to the principles of the UN Charter and collective action towards building a fairer, more inclusive and responsive international order.

Ghana stressed that the effectiveness of the United Nations should ultimately be measured by concrete actions and improvements in the lives of people in Ghana, Africa and the rest of the world.

Read the statement below:

READ ALSO:

Court halts Common Registration Exam for 792 newly trained doctors

Ghanaian jailed in US for using relative’s identity to secure job