Ghana Calls for Permanent African Seat on UN Security Council
Ghana has called for meaningful African representation in global decision-making, including permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council.
This forms part of efforts to build a fairer international order that reflects the realities of the 21st century.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a press statement issued in Accra on Wednesday, said the call aligned with President John Dramani Mahama’s advocacy for a more equitable international system in which Africa’s interests and priorities received adequate attention.
The statement was issued ahead of the commemoration of the 81st anniversary of United Nations Day on October 24, 2026, under the theme, “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for Africa.”
Ghana expressed concern that Africa remained without permanent representation on the Security Council despite constituting the largest regional voting bloc in the UN General Assembly.
The Ministry said President Mahama had articulated the need for meaningful African representation at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, calling for reforms that would make the international system more representative and responsive to the needs of member states.
It stated that the anniversary offered an opportunity to reflect on the United Nations’ role in promoting peace, sustainable development and international cooperation, while renewing efforts to address the continent’s development priorities.
“This occasion underscores the need for renewed international cooperation and a more effective United Nations that is more representative, responsive and effective in addressing the priorities of its Member States,” the statement said.
Ghana also called for reforms in the international financial architecture to make financing more affordable for developing countries, promote climate justice, increase value addition to Africa’s natural resources and support industrialisation and job creation.
According to the Ministry, these priorities were necessary to advance inclusive economic transformation across Africa and ensure that the continent derived greater benefits from its natural wealth.
The statement further noted that restoring confidence in multilateralism required accountability and good governance, with development efforts producing tangible improvements in citizens’ lives.
“Development and democratic governance must lead to tangible improvements in the lives of citizens, including greater access to healthcare, education, economic opportunities and social protection,” it said.
Ghana also called for stronger partnerships involving the United Nations, government institutions, civil society, the private sector, young people and other stakeholders to translate international commitments into practical solutions and measurable results.
The Ministry said attention should be given to Africa’s youthful population, natural resources, digital transformation, innovation and regional integration in shaping the continent’s future.
It reiterated Ghana’s support for a strong and effective multilateral system that promotes peace and security, climate change mitigation, human rights protection and inclusive opportunities for all.
As the world marks 81 years of the United Nations, Ghana urged the international community to renew its commitment to the principles of the UN Charter and collective action towards a fairer and more inclusive international order.
“The UN’s effectiveness must be demonstrated through concrete actions and measurable improvements in the lives of people in Ghana, Africa, and the world at large,” the statement read.
Freda Marfo, ISD
