President John Dramani Mahama has called on African leaders to strengthen transparency, accountability and the fight against corruption, saying the continent must take responsibility for putting its own house in order while demanding greater fairness from the global system.
Addressing the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday, September 24, 2026, President Mahama said Africa’s demand for a more equitable global order must be accompanied by a commitment to good governance at home.
“As African leaders we must also do what is required to put our own houses in order,” he said.
President Mahama invoked the legal maxim that “whoever comes into equity must come with clean hands” to underscore the responsibility of African governments to demonstrate accountability.
He said African leadership must be transparent and accountable, while governments must intensify efforts to combat corruption and ensure that public resources are used efficiently in the interest of citizens.
“Every dollar of our people’s money counts and is used efficiently in their interest,” he said.
The President cited Ghana’s democratic record as part of the country’s contribution to the continent, describing Ghana as “arguably the most stable democracy in Africa.”
He said Ghana believes in the rule of law and respect for human rights and is determined to demonstrate that democracy can deliver sustainable progress.
President Mahama acknowledged that democratic decision-making can sometimes be slow because it must follow constitutional processes, but argued that such progress is more sustainable because it is built through popular participation and consensus.
He further stressed that democracy should not be measured solely by elections.
“I’ve always believed that democracy must deliver tangible social benefits,” he said, arguing that citizens must experience democracy through improved access to food, education, housing, healthcare and economic opportunities.
According to him, democracy loses its purpose when it protects elite privileges while vulnerable populations are left behind.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️)/ Presidential Affairs Correspondent | Ghana 🇬🇭