Mahama To Deliver Ghana Statement At 81st UNGA
President John Dramani Mahama will deliver Ghana’s official statement during the main General Debate of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday, 24 September 2026. The President, who departed Accra on Friday night for New York, will address world leaders at the UN headquarters under global spotlight.
The address forms part of Ghana’s high-level participation in this year’s Assembly being held under the theme Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All. The President is expected to outline Ghana’s position on peace, sustainable development, climate action and reform of international financial institutions. His statement will also highlight Africa’s call for equity and justice in global governance.
According to the Presidency, President Mahama will host two strategic side events ahead of his main address. On Monday, 21 September 2026, he will host the High-Level Event on the Accra Reset under the topic Full Circle: Making Global Development Work Again. On Wednesday, 23 September 2026, he will host a second side event on reparatory justice focused on return and restitution of cultural properties and heritage.
The United Nations General Assembly is the main deliberative organ of the United Nations established in 1945 under the UN Charter. All 193 member states have equal representation, with the annual General Debate in September serving as the platform for heads of state to present national priorities. The main debate typically runs for six days and attracts extensive global media coverage. Themes are selected to reflect pressing global challenges such as trust deficit, transformation and delivery.
Ghana has historically used the UNGA platform to advocate for developing countries, particularly on issues of debt restructuring, climate financing, peacekeeping and Security Council reform. The Accra Reset initiative and the reparatory justice agenda have been central to President Mahama’s diplomacy, advocating for fair finance, trade and return of looted cultural heritage. These positions align with African Union resolutions and UNESCO protocols on restitution of heritage.
The President’s statement on 24 September is expected to be broadcast live and will set the tone for Ghana’s diplomatic push for the year. Beyond the General Debate, he will ring the NASDAQ Closing Bell, attend the US-Ghana Presidential Roundtable and hold meetings with world leaders and business executives to promote investment in Ghana.
Author: Korkor Anumu
