Ghanaian President, John Dramani Mahama, has called for sweeping reforms of the United Nations Security Council, insisting that Africa’s continued exclusion from permanent representation is unacceptable and undermines the legitimacy of the global body.
Mahama made the call at the 65th Anniversary Commemorative High-Level Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Belgrade, Serbia, where he urged member states to move beyond passive diplomacy and use their collective strength to reshape the global order.
The Ghanaian leader said the Movement, which represents a significant majority of the world’s population, must preserve its strategic independence and transform its numerical strength into meaningful geopolitical influence.
Quoting Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah, Mahama said the principle of non-alignment should not be interpreted as passivity or silence in the face of injustice.
“In a world that is becoming more divided, the Non-Aligned Movement must keep its independence and avoid taking sides. We should not just watch global events or be used by others with competing interests,” he told world leaders.
Mahama said NAM must ensure that its declarations translate into concrete diplomatic action, stressing that the Movement’s credibility should be measured by its achievements rather than its rhetoric.
According to a report distributed by APO Group on behalf of the Ghanaian Presidency, Mahama identified the urgent restructuring of global governance institutions, particularly the UN Security Council, as central to building a more equitable international order.
He argued that an international system that denies Africa permanent representation on the Security Council lacks legitimacy and does not reflect contemporary global realities.
Mahama reaffirmed Ghana’s support for the African Common Position contained in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, which demand permanent African seats on the Security Council with full veto powers, alongside additional non-permanent representation.
The President also pointed to the adoption of UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/80/250, which recognised chattel enslavement as a serious crime against humanity, as evidence of what countries of the Global South could achieve through collective action.
He urged NAM member states to build on such cooperation to confront outdated global political structures and advance a more inclusive international system.
“Today’s world needs a multilateral system that is stronger, more representative, and more responsive,” Mahama said.
“For the Council to earn the trust and legitimacy of the international community, it must better reflect the world it serves.”
