President John Dramani Mahama has called for greater unity among African countries to ensure that the continent speaks with a stronger and more coordinated voice on the global stage.
Addressing the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday, September 24, 2026, President Mahama said Africa must deepen continental integration and strengthen its collective influence in international affairs.
He announced that Ghana would use its upcoming chairmanship of the African Union in 2027 to pursue this objective.
Ghana is scheduled to assume the AU chairmanship in January 2027.
President Mahama said his administration intended to use the position to champion continental integration and accelerate implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
He also identified peace and security as a priority, saying Ghana would push for efforts to address conflict situations across Africa.
Another key objective, he said, would be to strengthen Africa’s collective voice internationally.
“We intend to use our AU chairmanship to champion continental integration, accelerate the implementation of the African continental free trade area, push for peace and security in all the conflict zones of Africa, and ensure that Africa speaks on the global stage with one resolute, undivided, and confident voice,” he said.
The President’s comments reflect his broader call for reform of global systems that he argues do not adequately reflect the interests of developing countries.
He said the challenges facing the world could only be addressed through greater cooperation and a recognition of the shared interests of humanity.
Ghana’s upcoming AU leadership will coincide with the country’s 70th independence anniversary in March 2027.
President Mahama said the anniversary would provide an opportunity to reflect on Ghana’s historical contribution to African liberation and Pan-Africanism.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️)/ Presidential Affairs Correspondent | Ghana 🇬🇭
