Mahama urges UN to ‘reset agenda’
By Solomon Nartey Tetteh
President John Dramani Mahama has called for a “reset agenda” at the United Nations, urging global leaders to recognise Africa’s central role in shaping the world’s future.
Addressing the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, President Mahama reflected on Africa’s marginal role at the founding of the UN in 1945, when only four African countries Egypt, Ethiopia, Liberia and South Africa were represented among the 51 founding members.
He contrasted that past with Africa’s rising significance today, citing UN projections that by 2050, more than a quarter of the world’s population will come from Africa, with one-third of all young people aged 15 to 24 living on the continent.
“The future is African. Already, Africa is a catalyst for human potential, economic reform and ecological stability. If this reality seems unsettling, it is only because it is still being viewed through the lens of racism, colonialism and imperialism,” President Mahama said.
He highlighted Ghana’s economic rebound as evidence of Africa’s resilience. Since returning to office in January 2025 for a non-consecutive second term, President Mahama said his administration’s ‘reset agenda’ had cut inflation from 23.8 per cent in December 2024 to 11.5 per cent by August 2025.
The Ghana cedi, once in steep decline, had become one of the best-performing currencies globally, while investor confidence improved through an upgraded sovereign credit rating.
The President warned of the existential threats posed by environmental crises, from rising sea levels threatening the Maldives to desertification encroaching on Timbuktu and deforestation endangering the Amazon rainforest.
He insisted Africa’s growing population, youthful workforce and untapped potential must be placed at the heart of global decision-making.
“As fate would have it, the tables have turned. Africa’s role in the authorship of whatever is yet to come will be huge, and it will be consequential,” President Mahama noted.
