Africa must be granted permanent representation on the UN Security Council — Mahama renews call

President John Dramani Mahama has renewed Ghana’s call for Africa to secure permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council, saying the continent’s exclusion from the council’s permanent membership reflects longstanding imbalances in the global governance system.

Addressing the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday, September 24, President Mahama said reform of the international system must address historical inequalities that continue to influence the distribution of power within global institutions.

He argued that Africa’s population, political relevance and influence within the UN system make its continued exclusion from permanent membership of the Security Council increasingly difficult to justify.

According to the President, Africa accounts for a significant share of the world’s population and constitutes the largest regional voting bloc in the UN General Assembly.

He said these realities should be reflected in any meaningful reform of the Security Council and called for Africa to be given a permanent seat with the full rights and responsibilities that come with membership.

“The injustices of the past remain embedded in today’s power structures. Africa is home to 1.5 billion people. Over 18% of humanity and constitutes the largest regional voting bloc in this General Assembly and yet Africa remains without a single permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

“This is fundamentally unacceptable in the 21st century. Africa must be granted permanent representation on the UN Security Council, complete with all the rights and responsibilities,” he stated.