Mahama calls for urgent reforms in global governance, financial system

President John Dramani Mahama has called for major reforms in global governance and the international financial architecture, arguing that existing systems continue to disadvantage developing countries, particularly those in Africa.

Addressing the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday, September 24, 2026, President Mahama said Africa must be given permanent representation on the UN Security Council, including the rights, responsibilities and veto powers attached to such membership.

He said Africa, with about 1.5 billion people and the largest regional voting bloc at the UN, could no longer remain without a permanent seat on the Security Council.

President Mahama also called for affordable and accessible financing for developing countries, saying high borrowing costs and debt burdens were limiting their ability to invest in development and respond to climate-related disasters.

He stated that Africa would not remain a passive source of raw materials for the global economy and urged greater local processing of the continent’s critical minerals to create jobs and retain more value.

The President further renewed Ghana’s call for reparatory justice for Africans and people of African descent, following the adoption of a Ghana-led UN resolution recognising the transatlantic slave trade and racialised chattel enslavement as the gravest crime against humanity.

He also addressed conflicts in Gaza, Sudan and other parts of the world, calling for respect for international law, protection of civilians and unhindered humanitarian access.

On climate change, President Mahama said Africa contributes less than four per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions but continues to face severe consequences, including flooding, drought and coastal erosion.

He called on developed countries to fulfil their climate financing commitments through predictable, non-debt-creating grants.

Turning to Ghana, President Mahama highlighted what he described as progress under his government’s “Resetting Ghana Agenda”, including macroeconomic stabilisation, infrastructure development and expanded social protection.

He said the government was also pursuing the Big Push infrastructure programme, the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme, and initiatives aimed at expanding access to healthcare.

President Mahama said Ghana would use its upcoming chairmanship of the African Union to promote continental integration, accelerate implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area and strengthen Africa’s voice on global issues.

He concluded by calling on world leaders to build a global system founded on justice, equality and respect for human dignity.

The 81st UN General Assembly is being held from September 22 to 28, 2026, under the theme “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”

Read the full speech below:

President Mahama’s statement to the 81st Session of the UNGA_Media

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