Local Government expert Isaac Amon Kotei has called for stronger collective action among African countries to secure greater representation and influence for the continent in global affairs.
Mr Amon Kotei said Africa must take advantage of international platforms to demand reforms within global institutions and ensure that decisions affecting the continent are not taken without meaningful African participation.
Speaking on Ahotor FM’s morning show in Accra-Tema on Friday, September 25, 2026, he said Africa’s involvement in international affairs should not be measured simply by the presence of African leaders at global meetings but by the extent to which the continent is able to influence decisions and advance its interests.
According to him, African countries must develop a common approach to major international issues and use their collective strength to secure a stronger voice in institutions responsible for global peace, security, development and economic cooperation.
Africa and global governance
Mr Amon Kotei referred to President John Dramani Mahama’s September 2025 address to the 80th United Nations General Assembly, where the President called for reforms to the United Nations and greater African representation on the Security Council. The UN has ongoing intergovernmental negotiations on reform of the Council, including questions of equitable representation and an increase in membership.
Mr Amon Kotei said the issue of African representation was particularly important because the international system has changed significantly since the United Nations was established after the Second World War.
He noted that only four African countries—Egypt, Ethiopia, Liberia and South Africa—were among the 51 states involved in the founding of the United Nations in 1945. President Mahama also highlighted this historical context during his 2025 General Assembly address.
According to Mr Amon Kotei, the changing global environment requires African countries to reassess their position and continue advocating reforms that address what he described as historical imbalances in international institutions.
Collective action
Mr Amon Kotei said African countries could achieve greater influence if they coordinated their positions on major international negotiations.
He argued that acting individually could limit the continent’s bargaining power, while collective action could provide African countries with a stronger platform to advance common interests.
He said African leaders must therefore move beyond identifying the challenges facing the continent and work together to ensure that Africa’s interests are reflected in international decisions.
The expert noted that Africa has significant human resources, natural resources and economic potential, but said these advantages must be supported by stronger continental cooperation and strategic international partnerships.
He also urged African governments to ensure that international engagements focus on practical issues such as investment, infrastructure, employment, economic development and opportunities for young people.
Ghana’s responsibility
Mr Amon Kotei said Ghana has a particular responsibility to contribute to the Pan-African agenda because of the country’s historical role in the struggle for African independence and unity.
He said Ghana’s participation in international forums should therefore extend beyond national interests to include issues capable of advancing the wider interests of the African continent.
He maintained that Ghana can use its diplomatic engagements to strengthen cooperation with other countries and promote initiatives that create opportunities for its citizens and other Africans.
Mr Amon Kotei further stressed that international diplomacy must ultimately connect with the everyday needs of citizens, particularly through economic opportunities, investment, infrastructure and stronger international partnerships.
He called on African leaders and citizens to remain committed to strengthening the continent’s collective voice and ensuring that Africa receives greater recognition in global affairs.
“Africa must make its voice heard, and we must continue to demand the respect and recognition that the continent deserves,” he said.
The call comes amid continuing UN discussions on Security Council reform, with African states advocating greater representation and the continent’s permanent inclusion in the Council.
Story by Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah