President John Dramani Mahama’s address at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has sparked widespread reaction.
Many Ghanaians are praising his message as “bold,” and a moment of pride for the country and the continent.
Delivering his speech on September 25, 2025 in New York, Mahama called for reforms in the United Nations, and pressed for a fairer global financial system that does not marginalize Africa.
He also touched on global conflicts and other issues across the world.
On social media, praise poured in from Ghanaians who described his remarks as inspiring and a strong representation of Ghana and Africa.
Contents of Mahama’s speech.
Mahama described the UN Charter as “outdated” and demanded a reset that reflects the realities of today’s world.
He insisted Africa deserves a permanent seat on the UN Security Council with veto power, stressing that its exclusion remains unjust.
“If this were true and was the case, a continent as large as Africa with its numerous UN member states would have at least one permanent seat on the Security Council,” Mahama said, referring to the UN charter’s principle of sovereign equality.
Mahama criticized the global financial architecture as “rigged against Africa,” arguing that debt restructuring and fairer access to financial resources are crucial if African nations are to thrive.
“Africa must have a greater say in the world’s multilateral financial institutions,” he said.
The president further went on t speak about some global conflicts, condemning what he called “the crimes in Gaza,” and urging an end to the collective punishment of Palestinians.
He also highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where 12 million people have been displaced, and criticized what he said was unequal global compassion compared to refugees from Ukraine.
Mahama emphasized Africa’s growing importance, noting that by 2050, over a quarter of the world’s population will be African.
He cautioned against viewing the continent through colonial or racist lenses.
He also touched on migration, climate change, gender equality, and expressed solidarity with Cuba, urging the lifting of the decades-long blockade.
For many Ghanaians, the speech by the President was a moment of national pride.
