Once again, the flag of Ghana flies high, thanks to the succinct and pungent speech delivered by President John Dramani Mahama at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on September 25, 2025.
Beyond the buzzing of the internet superhighway, social media platforms have also been flooded with applause from fellow Africans, many of whom see Ghana as living up to its billing as the shining star of the continent.
The address has not only placed Ghana in the global spotlight once again, but has also reignited long-standing debates on justice, fairness, and the role of Africa in shaping world affairs.
In a pointed address described as straight to the hearts of the powers that be, President Mahama renewed calls for reforms within the United Nations (UN) system to reflect the changing dynamics of global geopolitics.
While such calls are not entirely new, given that his immediate predecessors at similar fora had raised same, this particular intervention carried historic weight. His reminder that when the UN was founded in 1945, when only four African states made up of Egypt, Ethiopia, Liberia, and South Africa were present, was both telling and sobering.
The heart of his message was unambiguous: Africa deserves permanent representation on the Security Council as the current structure, which grants veto power to only five countries, reflects a bygone era and undermines the principle of sovereign equality enshrined in the UN Charter.
For the UN to remain relevant, it must embody inclusiveness, fairness, and justice. Equally compelling was his critique of the global financial architecture.
Describing it as “rigged against Africa,” President Mahama exposed the systemic inequalities that have left the continent disadvantaged for decades.
His insistence on reparations for slavery and colonial plunder was not mere rhetoric but a just demand rooted in both historical fact and moral responsibility.
For too long, Africa’s role has been reduced to that of a resource supplier, while its people continue to suffer the aftershocks of historical exploitation.
Beyond the continent, the President demonstrated his global statesmanship by addressing pressing humanitarian crises.
He condemned the atrocities in Gaza, drew attention to the tragic conflict in Sudan, and spoke passionately about the plight of climate refugees from the Global South.
His words were marked by courage and compassion, qualities too rare in the cautious language of international diplomacy.
We on The Ghanaian Times, commend President Mahama for his forthrightness and celebrate the dignity his address has brought to both Ghana and Africa.
His speech echoed the collective aspirations of millions who yearn for fairness, justice, and equity in the global order as such it was not surprising that the address was met with rousing applause in New York.
However, we must also be candid and state that eloquence alone cannot transform Africa’s fortunes, and the critical question that remains to be answered is; what concrete steps are being taken by African leaders to ensure that the continent translates rhetoric into reality?
Sixty years after most African nations gained independence, it is unconscionable to continue blaming external forces for our underdevelopment. Africa possesses both abundant human and natural resources.
Yet, too often, mismanagement, corruption, and poor leadership have robbed the continent of its potential. If Africa is to take its rightful place among the comity of nations, then its leaders must move beyond purposeless lamentations to tangible action.
They must invest in institutions, infrastructure, innovation, and above all, the people.
We hold the view that it is only when Africa begins to demonstrate seriousness in managing her own affairs that the continent can earn the respect and recognition it deserves.
Speeches, however brilliant, must be matched with policies, reforms, and sacrifices that will enable Africa to rise.
