President John Dramani Mahama has renewed calls for reforms to the United Nations Security Council, warning that Africa’s continued exclusion from permanent representation is undermining the credibility of the global governance system.
Speaking at Chatham House in London on Monday, June 1, Mr. Mahama described Africa’s absence from the Council as a “historical injustice” and a reflection of deeper structural imbalances within the multilateral system.
“With 54 member states at the United Nations and a population projected to constitute nearly one quarter of humanity by 2050, Africa continues to be excluded from permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council,” he said.
“This is not merely a procedural anomaly, it is a historical injustice and a structural imbalance that undermines the credibility of the multilateral system itself.”
Mr. Mahama stressed that the current composition of the Security Council fails to reflect present-day global realities, particularly the growing demographic and political significance of the African continent.
He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to advocating comprehensive reforms of the United Nations, including fair and equitable representation for Africa in global decision-making bodies.
Beyond institutional reforms, the former president also called for urgent changes to the international financial architecture. He argued that global financial systems must be restructured to better respond to the development needs of poorer nations, particularly in Africa.
According to Mr. Mahama, addressing both governance and financial inequalities is essential to building a more inclusive and effective international system capable of responding to contemporary global challenges.
His remarks add to longstanding demands by African leaders for a permanent seat on the Security Council, as calls intensify for reforms aimed at making global institutions more representative and accountable.
