President Mahama Holds Strategic Talks with UN Secretary-General at TICAD-9 in Yokohama
Ghanaian President H.E John Dramani Mahama on Thursday engaged in high-level bilateral discussions with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on the side-lines of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD-9), addressing critical issues ranging from Ghana’s economic recovery to escalating security threats in West Africa.
The meeting, held during the prestigious Japan-hosted conference, saw both leaders emphasize the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing contemporary global challenges.
Ghana’s Role in Global Governance:
President Mahama used the platform to advocate for comprehensive reforms within the United Nations system, calling for greater inclusivity in global decision-making processes.
“Ghana remains unwavering in its support for multilateralism, but we must continue to push for the democratization of the UN to enhance its representativeness and effectiveness,” President Mahama stated during the discussions.
President Mahama’s remarks underscore his administration’s commitment to ensuring that African voices are better represented in international institutions.
Economic Recovery and International Partnership:
Addressing Ghana’s recent economic challenges, President Mahama provided updates on the country’s recovery trajectory, highlighting ongoing debt restructuring efforts.
“Our economy is steadily recovering from the recent crisis, and we are making significant progress with debt restructuring to secure long-term stability for our nation,” the President noted.
He also acknowledged the crucial role of international partnerships in Ghana’s development agenda, specifically recognizing the United Nations Development Programme’s contributions.
“We are grateful for the UN Development Programme’s sustained partnership with Ghana. Their recent support for the orientation of our newly appointed ministers on the government’s ‘Resetting Ghana Agenda’ demonstrates the value of these collaborative efforts,” President Mahama said.
Regional Security and Leadership:
The discussions also focused extensively on the deteriorating security situation in West Africa, particularly in the Sahel region, where Ghana has emerged as a key diplomatic player.
Secretary-General Guterres commended Ghana’s proactive stance, highlighting the country’s leadership within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union in addressing regional crises.
President Mahama emphasized the need for collective regional approaches to security challenges, stating his commitment to continue championing collaborative solutions across West Africa.
International Recognition:
The UN Secretary-General praised Ghana’s consistent engagement with the international community, particularly noting the country’s active participation in the UN system and its dedication to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
This recognition reinforces Ghana’s position as a stable democracy and reliable partner in international affairs, particularly as the country navigates both domestic reforms and regional leadership responsibilities.
The bilateral meeting took place during TICAD-9, a major international conference that brings together African leaders, development partners, and private sector representatives to discuss Africa’s development priorities and strengthen partnerships with Japan and other international stakeholders.
President Mahama’s participation in the conference and his bilateral engagements demonstrate Ghana’s continued commitment to multilateral diplomacy and international cooperation as key pillars of the country’s foreign policy under his administration.
The discussions between President Mahama and Secretary-General Guterres reflect the broader themes of TICAD-9, which focuses on sustainable development, peace and stability, and strengthening partnerships for Africa’s transformation.
