President Mahama calls for urgent global action on Gaza, Sudan crises
President John Dramani Mahama has called for stronger and more decisive international action to address the humanitarian crises in Gaza and Sudan, warning that the international community must uphold the same standards of human rights and international law in every conflict.
Addressing the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, President Mahama said the ongoing crises demonstrate the urgent need for a renewed commitment to protecting civilians, ensuring humanitarian access and holding perpetrators of war crimes accountable.
On Gaza, the President urged world leaders to confront the scale of the humanitarian suffering and move beyond what he described as diplomatic euphemisms surrounding the conflict.
“How many more lives must be lost before the world acts with decisive moral authority?” he asked.
President Mahama condemned collective punishment, enforced starvation and mass displacement, describing such actions as violations of international law.
He reaffirmed Ghana’s recognition of the State of Palestine and its support for a viable two-state solution in which Israel and Palestine can coexist in peace and security with guaranteed borders.
At the same time, he condemned acts of terrorism by Hamas and stressed that all parties to the conflict must respect international humanitarian law.
“Our moral standards cannot be selective,” President Mahama said, stressing the need for consistency in the application of international law.
Turning to Sudan, the Ghanaian leader called for an elevated global response to the conflict, which he described as a catastrophic humanitarian crisis.
He also urged solidarity with countries confronting terrorism, particularly Ghana’s neighbours in the Sahel, as instability continues to pose humanitarian and security challenges across the region.
President Mahama said dialogue remains essential to resolving even the most difficult international conflicts, whether in Europe, the Middle East or Africa.
He called for a uniform international standard based on respect for sovereign integrity, protection of civilians, unhindered humanitarian access and accountability for violations of international humanitarian law.
“The daunting crises confronting our world are not insurmountable,” he said, urging the international community to recognise the shared humanity of people affected by war and displacement.
He said refugees, migrants, children affected by conflict and vulnerable communities must all be treated as members of the common human family whose dignity and rights must be protected.
