At Chatham House in London, former Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama urged that Africa should have a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
He said the Council should not remain tied to the power structures of 1945.
Mahama spoke on the topic “Managing a Changing Global Order: Ghana’s Strategic Priorities.” He said the post-war multilateral system is under strain and needs to change to match today’s geopolitical realities.
He described Africa’s exclusion from permanent Security Council membership as a “historical injustice” that hurts the legitimacy of global governance.
Mahama highlighted Africa’s growing population and economic strength. He said integration across the continent is essential, especially as trade blocs change, supply chains face disruptions, and economic nationalism increases.
He described Ghana’s Accra Reset Initiative as a detailed plan to improve international cooperation through clear steps.
The initiative aims to build stronger national systems by improving public health, supporting local drug and vaccine production, upgrading digital infrastructure, ensuring food security with eco-friendly methods, promoting industrial growth, and finding key sources of funding.
Mahama said these efforts are meant to encourage self-reliance and lasting economic growth, helping Ghana and Africa take a fairer role in global affairs.
“The future of the multilateral system itself cannot rely on dependency; it must rest on dignity,” Mahama said. He explained that Africa’s demand is not a plea, but a necessity for global stability.
