President John Dramani Mahama has renewed Africa’s call for permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council, arguing that the continent’s continued exclusion undermines the credibility and legitimacy of the global body.
Addressing the UN, President Mahama pointed to Africa’s growing population and influence within the General Assembly, saying it was difficult to justify a system in which the continent has no permanent voice on the Security Council.
“Africa is home to 1.5 billion people, over 18 percent of humanity, and constitutes the largest regional voting bloc in this General Assembly,” he said.
Yet, despite that numerical strength, Africa remains without a single permanent seat on the Security Council.
“For Africa and people of African descent, Mr. President, the injustices of the past remain embedded in today’s power structures,” Mahama said.
He described Africa’s exclusion from permanent membership as unacceptable in the 21st century and called for the continent to be given a seat with the full rights and responsibilities that come with permanent membership.
He argued that the current structure of the Security Council reflects a geopolitical order created after the Second World War, one that no longer reflects the realities of the world today.
“We cannot credibly champion the sovereign equality of nations while preserving a global governance structure that was designed for the post-war geopolitical realities,” he said.
He stressed that reform should not be viewed as a concession or favour to the continent, but as part of a broader effort to make the United Nations more representative and responsive to the world it serves.
“Security Council reform is not a favor to Africa, it is an imperative for the legitimacy, the credibility, and the survival of the United Nations.”
His call adds Ghana’s voice to the longstanding African campaign for reform of the Security Council, particularly the demand for permanent representation that would give the continent greater influence over decisions on international peace and security.
