UNGA81: ‘This is unacceptable’ – Mahama demands permanent UN seat for Africa

President John Dramani Mahama has renewed calls for Africa to be given permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council, insisting that the continent’s exclusion from the body is no longer acceptable.

Addressing the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday, September 24, 2026, Mahama said Africa’s growing population and political significance demanded a corresponding voice in the UN’s most powerful decision-making body.

“Africa is home to 1.5 billion people, over 18 per cent of humanity, and constitutes the largest regional voting bloc in this General Assembly. Yet, Africa remains without a single permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. This is fundamentally unacceptable in the 21st century,” he said.

He called for Africa to be granted a permanent seat with the full rights and responsibilities attached to such membership, including veto powers.

“Africa must be granted permanent representation on the UN Security Council, complete with all the rights, responsibilities, and veto powers of such membership,” President Mahama stated.

He argued that the current structure of global governance no longer reflects contemporary geopolitical realities.

“We cannot credibly champion the sovereign equality of nations while preserving a global governance structure designed for the post-war geopolitical realities,” he said.

According to the President, reform of the Security Council should not be viewed as a concession to Africa but as a necessary step to strengthen the credibility of the United Nations.

“Security Council reform is not a favour to Africa; it is an imperative for the legitimacy, credibility, and survival of the United Nations,” he added.

Africa has long pushed for reform of the UN Security Council, arguing that the continent is underrepresented despite its size, population and contribution to the organisation. The current permanent members are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Mahama’s call forms part of Ghana’s broader advocacy for a more equitable multilateral system and greater African influence in global decision-making.