By Ebi Kesiena
President Nana Akufo-Addo has renewed his call for a complete reform of the United Nations Security Council, stating that its current structure is outdated, unrepresentative, and inadequate for addressing today’s global challenges.
The Ghanaian President also called for immediate reforms to tackle pressing global issues like climate change, inequality, and governance.
Speaking at the UN’s “Summit of the Future” in New York, on Wednesday, he stressed the importance of multilateral cooperation, stating that no country can address these challenges alone.
President Akufo-Addo condemned rising isolationism and nationalism, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted how interconnected the world is. He pointed out that issues like climate change and terrorism require coordinated global action.
He emphasized that Africa suffers disproportionately from the climate crisis despite contributing little to global carbon emissions, calling for “climate justice” for the continent. He questioned how African farmers can adapt to climate change when they can’t predict the seasons.
On global inequality, he noted that over 700 million people live in extreme poverty, and called for a fairer global economic system. He also highlighted the need for Africa to have a stronger voice in international affairs, advocating for the Ezulwini Consensus on UN reform.
The Ezulwini Consensus, a unified African position on UN reform, advocates for two permanent seats for Africa on the Security Council, with veto powers, as well as five non-permanent seats. President Akufo-Addo reiterated his strong support for this consensus, which has gained increasing traction in recent years.
President Akufo-Addo however urged world leaders to take a decisive action, warning that future generations will judge their efforts.
“We cannot be the generation that stood by as the world burned,” he said, stressing the need for justice and equality.
