UNGA @80: War in Gaza must stop – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has called for an immediate end to atrocities in Gaza, warning the United Nations against complacency in the face of unfolding crimes.

Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday, Mahama described the ongoing bombardments and blockade as “collective punishment” that had left countless innocent Palestinians facing starvation and death.

“The crimes in Gaza must stop,” Mahama declared, stressing that the international community could no longer hide behind ambiguous language.

“For nearly two years, we have been playing hide-and-seek with words to excuse what we all know is happening. But if it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it must be a duck. The crimes in Gaza must stop.”

He reaffirmed Ghana’s recognition of the State of Palestine since 1988 and support for a two-state solution, dismissing claims that such an arrangement rewards militancy.

“A two-state solution is not a reward for Hamas. It is a retreat for the hundreds of thousands of innocent women and children who are being punished simply for being Palestinian,” he explained.

Mahama also raised concerns about the denial of visas to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, describing it as deeply troubling and an affront to multilateralism.

“These are dangerous times. Our world is experiencing a rise in nationalism, economic instability and acts of aggression that undermine global safeguards,” he cautioned.

Beyond Gaza, Mahama drew attention to Sudan’s conflict, which he said represented “the world’s largest humanitarian crisis” with 12 million displaced. He urged the same solidarity extended to Ukrainian refugees to be shown to Sudanese fleeing violence.

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The president further highlighted the disproportionate effects of climate change on the Global South, noting that migrants are too often criminalized despite their contributions.

He insisted: “We cannot normalize cruelty, hatred, xenophobia or racism. Migrants are not invaders—they are human beings who enrich societies.”

President Mahama also reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to championing reparations for slavery and colonial exploitation, calling the slave trade “the greatest crime against humanity.”