President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated Africa’s longstanding demand for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, stating that the Council’s current structure no longer reflects the realities of the modern world.
Speaking at the UN General Assembly on Thursday, September 25, President Mahama described the UN’s founding charter as outdated in terms of representation.
“The most powerful nations following World War II continue to wield disproportionate influence, holding an almost totalitarian guardianship over global affairs,” he said. “If the system were truly representative, a continent as vast and diverse as Africa with its many UN Member States would occupy at least one permanent seat on the Security Council.”
Mahama also criticized the exclusive veto power held by the five permanent members, arguing that no single nation should have unchecked authority over global decisions.
“There must be a mechanism for the General Assembly to challenge or override a veto. The interests of one nation should not be allowed to block action on critical global issues,” he asserted.
Quoting Nelson Mandela’s 1995 UN address, Mahama reminded the Assembly that Africa’s call for reform has remained unchanged for nearly 30 years. “So today, Madam President, I ask again from this very platform: if not now, then when?”
Beyond Security Council reform, President Mahama also called for a fundamental overhaul of the global financial system, which he said is unfairly biased against Africa. He urged for greater African representation and influence in major international financial institutions.
“We must reset the global financial architecture to ensure fairness and equity,” he concluded.
