"If Not Now, When? – Mahama Demands Urgent UN Reforms to Reflect Africa's Role in Global Governance"

 

President John Dramani Mahama has issued a powerful call for comprehensive reforms at the United Nations, urging the global community to acknowledge and elevate Africa’s role in international decision-making. Speaking at the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York on Thursday, September 25, 2025, Mahama emphasized the urgent need for structural change to reflect the realities of the modern world.

“I mentioned earlier that I began my second non-consecutive term as President this past January. My first term ended in January 2017. In that span of time—eight years—the world has changed with such ferocity,” he said.

Mahama compared his return to office to awakening from a “Rip Van Winkle-style sleep,” highlighting how drastically the world has evolved over the past decade.

Drawing a stark contrast between 1945—the year the UN was established—and today, Mahama underscored the rapid advancements in technology and global dynamics.

“In 1945, the sun had not yet set on the largest empire in history. Sea travel was the norm. The personal computer had not yet been invented, and television was still in its infancy,” he explained.

Fast-forwarding 80 years, Mahama pointed to a world defined by cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence, social media, the internet—and its darker counterpart, the dark web—as well as pressing global challenges like climate change and deforestation.

A Broken Promise of Sovereign Equality

President Mahama expressed deep concern that the UN’s foundational principle of sovereign equality is being undermined by outdated power structures.

“The most powerful post-World War II nations are still being rewarded with an almost totalitarian guardianship over the rest of the world,” he argued. “Yet, Chapter 2, Article 1 of the UN Charter states that the organization is based on the principle of sovereign equality of all its members.”

He firmly advocated for Africa to be granted a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, calling it a long-overdue correction.

“If this principle were being upheld, a continent as vast and diverse as Africa—with numerous UN member states—would already have at least one permanent seat,” he emphasized.

Mahama also challenged the absolute nature of the veto power held by five permanent members of the Security Council, proposing that the General Assembly should have the authority to challenge or overturn vetoes.

“No single nation should possess an unchecked veto that allows it to serve its own interests during disputes,” he said.

Echoing Mandela and Nkrumah

Citing Nelson Mandela’s address at the UN’s 50th anniversary in 1995, Mahama echoed the call for institutional transformation:

“The United Nations must reassess its role, redefine its profile, and reshape its structures. It should truly reflect the diversity of our universe and ensure equity among nations in the exercise of power—particularly within the Security Council.”

Lamenting the lack of progress over the last three decades, Mahama posed a poignant question to the global community:

“So today, Madam President, I stand here in this exact spot and ask the world: If not now, then when?”

Beyond Africa: A Call for Global Fairness

Mahama extended his appeal beyond African interests, calling for a complete overhaul of the global financial architecture, which he described as inherently biased against the continent.

“Africa must have a greater say in the world’s multilateral financial institutions. The current system is rigged against us,” he stated.

He also advocated for the end of the long-standing blockade against Cuba, quoting Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah:

“We seek to be friends with all and enemies to none. The Cuban people shed their blood on African soil in the fight against apartheid.”

President Mahama’s address underscored a rising tide of frustration and determination among African leaders—one that demands not just inclusion, but equity in global governance.

---

Source: MyNewsGh.com