Mahama demands permanent African seat on UN Security Council

President John Dramani Mahama has once again urged for permanent African representation on the United Nations Security Council, asserting that the continent's lack of a permanent seat undermines the credibility and legitimacy of the global body. In his address to the UN, Mahama highlighted Africa's burgeoning population and influence within the General Assembly, stating that it is unjustifiable to have a system where the continent lacks a permanent voice on the Security Council.

With over 1.5 billion people, or 18 percent of humanity, and the largest regional voting bloc in the General Assembly, Africa's numerical strength is substantial. However, despite this, 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 remarked.

He denounced Africa's exclusion from permanent membership as unacceptable in the 21st century and demanded that the continent be granted a seat with all the rights and responsibilities that come with permanent membership. Mahama argued that the current Security Council structure reflects a geopolitical order formulated after World War II, which no longer accurately represents the world's realities.

"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 emphasized. He stressed that reform should not be seen as a favor or concession to Africa, but as a crucial step towards making 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," Mahama asserted. His call echoes Ghana's long-standing African campaign for reforming the Security Council, particularly the demand for permanent representation, which would enhance the continent's influence on decisions regarding international peace and security.