UN General Assembly live: Leaders from Lebanon, Iraq, Pakistan to speak

Mr. President, members of the esteemed United Nations General Assembly, I extend my heartfelt congratulations on your election to lead this august body for the 81st session. As we gather here, it is clear that our world faces profound challenges – polarization, widening disparities, and a growing skepticism towards our international institutions.

Ghana is encouraged by your dedication to fostering dialogue and resolves that your leadership will serve as an invaluable asset to the Assembly. We also pay tribute to the former Secretary-General António Guterres for his steadfast commitment to our global community over the past decade. To my fellow Ghanaians, our ancestral heritage imbues us with a profound sense of resolve, courage, and truth.

Our national anthem calls upon God to grant us the strength to defend the cause of freedom and justice. This noble sentiment inspires me to carry forward the legacy of our forebears – Kwame Nkrumah, Haile Selassie, Nelson Mandela, and others who have championed bold and fearless advocacy for humanity. The world may not change instantly due to the words we speak today, but the truths we articulate and the silence we maintain will be etched into the annals of history.

Allow me to introduce myself: I am John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana. Yet, today, I embody more than just the title of President. I am the descendant of a rich tapestry of Ghanaian cultures – Gonja, Akan, Ga, Hausa, and Ewe. My multilingual abilities bridge diverse communities, reminding us that language unites us despite our varied histories.

Belonging is a source of dignity and pride, but it can also lead to divisive nationalism and prejudice. United Nations stands upon the unshakeable principle that every human being is a member of the global family – regardless of race, nation, faith, skin color, or birthplace. Today, I address the urgent matter of belonging and its dark facet, which can perpetuate discrimination, displacement, and conflict.

The transatlantic slave trade and chattel slavery represent the most egregious violation of human rights in history. On behalf of Ghana, Africa, and the global African diaspora, I have long called for the international recognition of this heinous crime against humanity. We seek not division, but healing. Acknowledging this truth is the first step towards reconciliation and repairing the wounds inflicted upon millions who were brutally taken from their homelands and forced into a life of servitude.

This year, Ghana honored the International Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade by tabling Resolution A/RES/80/250 in this very Assembly. The resolution garnered the support of 123 nations, recognizing the slave trade and chattel enslavement as the gravest crimes against humanity. This was more than a symbolic act; it was a critical acknowledgment of the enduring structural inequalities that continue to plague our world.

As we move forward, let us build upon this resolution, fostering a global financial architecture that uplifts Africa and people of African descent, dismantling systemic racism, and promoting economic equity. The power of our collective voices and actions will determine the trajectory of our shared destiny. Thank you.