President John Dramani Mahama is scheduled to deliver Ghana’s national statement at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81) in New York today, Thursday, 24 September 2026, at approximately 2:00 p.m.
The 2026 UN General Debate is being held under the theme “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All.” Ghana’s participation comes against the backdrop of President Mahama’s broader engagements on Africa’s development, international cooperation, reparatory justice, investment and global governance reform.
Key issues expected to feature
1. Reparatory Justice and Africa’s Historical Legacy
Reparatory justice is expected to be a significant part of Ghana’s international advocacy. President Mahama has been advancing discussions on the implementation of the UN’s 2026 resolution recognising the trafficking of enslaved Africans as a gravest crime against humanity. He has also outlined a three-pillar approach focused on restitution, international legal and diplomatic mechanisms, and broader action towards reparatory justice.
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2. Return and Restitution of African Cultural Heritage
Ghana has continued to advocate for the return of African artefacts, cultural property and archives held outside the continent. President Mahama has also called for dignified treatment and restitution of the remains of enslaved Africans held in museums and institutions abroad.
3. The Accra Reset and Global Development
At UNGA, Ghana has been promoting the Accra Reset, which seeks to stimulate discussion about reforming international development cooperation and making global development systems more responsive to the needs of Africa and the Global South.
4. Trade, Investment and Ghana’s Economic Diplomacy
President Mahama’s New York programme has included engagements with international business leaders and investors, including the NASDAQ Closing Bell and a U.S.–Ghana Presidential Roundtable. The government has used these engagements to present Ghana as an investment destination and highlight opportunities in areas including natural resources and the wider economy.
5. International Cooperation and Africa’s Voice
Ghana’s participation also comes within wider conversations about strengthening Africa’s voice in global decision-making, international cooperation, development financing and reform of global institutions.
Ghana’s delegation and government focus
The President’s UNGA engagements involve senior government officials and ministers, including representatives of:
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana
- Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry
- Ministry of Finance
- Ministry of Defence
- Ministry of Health
- Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts
- Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang
The Presidency has indicated that the New York programme also includes bilateral meetings with world leaders, the UN Secretary-General and international partners, alongside efforts to deepen partnerships and investment opportunities for Ghana.
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GHANA TAKES THE FLOOR AT UNGA 81
President John Dramani Mahama will today, Thursday, September 24, 2026, deliver Ghana’s national statement at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York at approximately 2:00 p.m.
His address comes as Ghana continues to place Africa’s development, global cooperation, reparatory justice, restitution of African cultural heritage, investment and reform of international development systems at the centre of its international engagement.
The President’s participation follows a series of high-level engagements in New York, including the Accra Reset dialogue and discussions on advancing international cooperation on reparatory justice and the return of African cultural property.
Ghana’s voice. Africa’s voice. A voice for a more equitable global order.
