Africa deserves permanent UN Security Council seat –President Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has renewed calls for Africa to be granted permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council, including the rights and responsibilities that come with permanent membership.
Addressing the 81st United Nations General Assembly, President Mahama argued that Africa’s absence from the permanent membership of the UN Security Council no longer reflects the realities of the modern world.
He noted that Africa represents the largest regional voting bloc in the UN General Assembly but does not have a permanent seat on the Security Council.
According to President Mahama, this situation is unacceptable and requires urgent reform.
He called for Africa to be given permanent representation on the Security Council, including veto powers attached to such membership.
President Mahama also called for reforms to the global governance system, saying the United Nations must ensure that its structures reflect the principle of sovereign equality among nations.
He argued that reform of the Security Council should not be viewed as a concession to Africa but as necessary to strengthen the legitimacy and credibility of the United Nations.
President Mahama also drew attention to what he described as inequalities within the international financial system.
He said developing countries often face significantly higher borrowing costs than industrialised economies, limiting their ability to invest in development.
He called for reforms that would provide developing countries with long-term, affordable and accessible financing to support investments in human capital, industrialisation and climate adaptation.
President Mahama said Africa was not seeking charity but an equal partnership based on mutual respect.
He stressed that reforms to both global political and financial institutions were necessary to create a more equitable international system that responds to the needs of developing economies.
By Esther Padmore Amonoo
