President John Dramani Mahama has called for Africa to be granted permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council, arguing that the continent’s exclusion reflects longstanding inequalities in global governance.
Speaking at the 81st UN General Assembly, President Mahama said the structure of the international system must change to reflect Africa’s position in the global community.
“Africa must be granted permanent representation on the UN Security Council,” he said.
The President also raised concerns about the unequal cost of borrowing between developing and industrialised countries.
According to him, developing nations borrow at interest rates up to eight times higher than industrialised nations, creating additional financial pressures for countries already facing development challenges.
President Mahama linked the disparity to broader inequalities embedded in the international system.
“The injustices of the past remain embedded in today’s power structures,” he said.
He argued that historical inequalities continue to influence contemporary global institutions, economic arrangements and access to development financing.

