Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, has called for reforms to the United Nations’ governing charter, arguing that it is outdated and no longer reflects the current global reality.
Speaking at the UN General Assembly in New York on Thursday, September 25, 2025, President Mahama drew parallels between his own experiences as President and the need for the UN to adapt.
Reflecting on the significant changes he witnessed over an eight-year period between his first tenure and assuming the presidency again eight years later, President Mahama emphasised that the UN, after eight decades, is due for a transformation.
He specifically highlighted the need for reforms to the UN Security Council, advocating for a more representative and equitable structure.
“The UN founding charter is outdated when it comes to representation,” President Mahama stated.
“The most powerful post-World War 2 nations are still being rewarded with an almost totalitarian guardianship over the rest of the world.”
He pointed out the disconnect between the UN’s founding principles and the current reality, citing Chapter 2, Article 1 of the UN Charter: “The Organisation is based on the principle of the sovereign equality of all its members.”
President Mahama questioned the fairness of the current system, arguing, “If this were truly the case, a continent as large as Africa with its numerous UN Member states would have at least one permanent seat on the Security Council.”
He also called for reforms to the veto power, stating, “Veto power should not be restricted to five nations, nor should it be absolute. There must be a mechanism for the General Assembly to challenge a veto. No single nation should be able to exercise an absolute interest in a conflict.”
President Mahama’s remarks underscore the need for the UN to revisit its founding charter and adapt to the changing global landscape, ensuring more inclusive representation and decision-making processes.
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