As He Attends 85th UN Assembly
President John Dramani Mahama has led a high powered government delegation to the 80th Session of the United Nations’ General Assembly in the United States (US).
The president, who left Ghana accompanied by the First Lady, Lordina Mahama, and other government officials, including the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, arrived in New York City (NYC), on Sunday September 21, to a rousing welcome.
The crowd, who are US-based Ghanaians, pitched camp at the President’s hotel entrance before his convoy arrived.
Clad in mostly national colours and apparels they drummed and danced to Ghanaian songs. When they finally arrived, the crowd took turns to exchange pleasantries, with the President and his wife.
Some of the enthusiastic Ghanaians held placards some of which read: “Better Free Education is possible under John Mahama, John Mahama, and thank you for solving dumsor”.
A heartwarming video of the exchanges and interactions have popped up online with many on social media saying this is a clear departure from what used to happen during his first term.
During the time, some New Patriotic Party (NPP) members used to demonstrate against him on that international stage. Ahead of his travel, a statement was issued notifying the public about the president’s participation of the UNGA which commences tomorrow, Tuesday September 23.
Signed by the Minister for Government Communications and spokesperson to the president, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the statement dated Sunday September 21 noted that Mahama will address the General Assembly on Thursday, 25 September.
Among his activities and in his capacity as the African Union’s champion for financial institutions, the President will host two significant side events.
“His itinerary also includes crucial bilateral meetings with the UN Secretary-General, various heads of states, and global leaders, such as the President if the Rockefeller Foundation”, the statement said.
The President, who will spend a couple of days in the States “will also engage with the US-Africa Chamber of Commence and make a historic visit to NASGAQ, where he is expected to ring the closing bell”.
The First Lady, on his part, is also slated to attend and address side events organized by the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (DAFLAD) and will deliver the keynote address at a special World Vision International prayer service dedicated to the world’s children.
Other members of the delegation are the Executive Secretary Dr Callistus Mahama, Special Aide and Presidential Advisor, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Deputy Chief of Staff and Technical Advisor to the First Lady, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Felix Kwakye Ofosu among others.
Below is the full statement
By Gifty Boateng