President John Dramani Mahama will today, Thursday, September 25, 2025, deliver a landmark address at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, cementing his position as a powerful voice for Africa and a global advocate for justice and reform.
Mahama, who is the 12th speaker in the General Debate, returns to the world stage in a historic moment, becoming the first Ghanaian President to address the Assembly eight years after his tenure ended in 2016.
His presence in New York is more than just a ceremonial duty. It is a strategic platform from which he has already begun to shape the global conversation.
Yesterday, in his capacity as the African Union (AU) Champion for African Financial Institutions, he hosted a high-level event titled “Africa’s Financial Sovereignty.” The meeting, which brought together heads of state and finance ministers, was a powerful push for reforms in the global financial architecture and a call to action for the effective operationalization of AU financial institutions.
Today, in a move that underscores his passionate belief in historical justice, he will co-host a side event with the President of Senegal as the AU Champion for Reparatory Justice for Africans and People of African Descent. This event will highlight Africa’s united call for reparations for centuries of slavery and colonial exploitation—a cause Mahama has consistently championed as a matter of justice, not charity.
Beyond Ghana: A Global Agenda
While his address will spotlight Ghana’s “Reset Agenda”—outlining major reforms in governance, the fight against corruption, and the “Big Push” initiative for infrastructure development—Mahama’s message is expected to resonate far beyond his nation’s borders.
He is a consistent advocate for a number of critical global issues:
Health and Humanitarianism: President Mahama is a vocal champion for health security in Africa. He is expected to use the UN platform to call for the redirection of global military expenditure toward humanitarian priorities, particularly health and education, a plea that aligns with his belief in silencing the guns to fund a healthier, more educated world.
Palestinian Sovereignty: The Ghanaian President is a firm believer in the right to self-determination. His support for Palestinian sovereignty reflects his broader vision of a world where all nations are free from occupation and oppression.
Peace in West Africa: With the West African region facing a number of security challenges, Mahama is keen to see peace and stability. He is expected to use his bilateral meetings with his counterparts to advance this cause, a testament to his commitment to regional security.
Fairness in Global Trade: As a champion for African reparations and financial sovereignty, Mahama’s message is fundamentally about fairness in global systems. His call for reforms in the global financial architecture is intrinsically linked to his broader vision of a just and equitable international trading environment for African nations.
In his address, President Mahama will not only present Ghana’s renewed vision but will also serve as a powerful voice for the continent, a leader dedicated to shaping a more just, peaceful, and equitable world for all.