President John Dramani Mahama’s address at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York has won widespread acclaim from political figures, legal minds, civil society actors, and ordinary citizens, who have described the speech as bold, brilliant, and reflective of the kind of leadership Africa needs on the global stage.
The President’s intervention touched on critical global issues such as climate change, financing for development, immigration, and the protracted conflicts in the Middle East, while also calling for Africa’s rightful place in the United Nations Security Council. His delivery and the substance of his message struck a chord with audiences at home and abroad, triggering a wave of positive commentary.
Richard Dela Sky, a renowned broadcaster and Legal Practitioner, was among the first to share his admiration for the President’s performance. “JM wrote and delivered a truly beautiful speech that puts Ghana on the international map for all the good reasons,” he wrote. “As an African, I felt proud watching him do the dooo. Let’s do this again…”
Legal practitioner Timothy Donkor was equally impressed, describing the address in a single word: “Brilliant.” His view was echoed by Osagyefo Oliver Mawuse Barker-Vormawor, a prominent activist, who wrote, “JM spoiled their time with that UN speech. Good job. Aka Galamsey.” His remark underscored the President’s readiness to speak frankly on issues of exploitation and global inequality that continue to disadvantage Africa.
Opposition’s Praise
Notably, even voices from the opposition party joined in acknowledging the strength of the President’s delivery. Salam Mustapha, the National Youth Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), commended Mahama while situating the address within the broader conversation about Africa’s place in global governance.
“On UNGA@80. I have watched President John Dramani Mahama’s speech this evening. I’ve also watched the speech of Kenya’s Ruto, and I admire both for taking on the UN. Africa must begin to boycott the UN and its agencies if they can’t show respect to the continent.
“Africa deserves a permanent seat at the Security Council with veto powers. If the UN cannot respect the 54 countries, then there’s no point sponsoring huge delegations to the General Assembly every year.”
Salam Mustapha, the National Youth Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)
His remarks reflect a growing consensus that Africa’s underrepresentation on the Security Council undermines the principles of equity and justice that the UN was built to uphold, and that Mahama’s words were a timely reminder of the continent’s demand for reform.
Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, Member of Parliament for Karaga and a former Minister for Finance, also acknowledged the speech as a strong contribution to global debates, stating that “President Mahama’s address at the 80th United Nations General Assembly was truly commendable”.
He expressed excitement over the President’s insights on pressing global issues such as immigration, financing for development, the Middle East conflict, and climate change, asserting that President Mahama’s eloquent delivery and thought-provoking perspectives showcased his leadership capabilities on the international stage.
Calls for Local Translation of Results
While praising the speech, Dr. Adam also called for a translation of such global vision into local results.
“It’s important how such a well-articulated vision and approach to international development translates to national development in Ghana, particularly as the reset economy is not resetting, whilst galamsey is out of control and free speech is being murdered. Let’s hope his leadership principles and global perspectives inform his decision-making for the benefit of Ghana’s development. Best wishes to you, Mr. President.”
Dr Mohammed Aamin Adams
The chorus of voices in response to Mahama’s address illustrates the resonance his message carried across political lines and professional backgrounds. For many, the speech was not only an assertion of Ghana’s leadership on the international stage but also a rallying call for Africa to demand respect, fairness, and equity in multilateral systems that too often leave the continent marginalized.
Many social media activists say the speech stands out not just for its rhetoric but for its timing. With geopolitical instability rising, global inequality widening, and Africa increasingly positioned as a central player in resource supply and demographic growth, Mahama’s call for reform and dignity in Africa’s international engagements resonated beyond the Assembly hall.
The President’s performance at UNGA80, therefore, has not only stirred pride among Ghanaians but also sparked fresh discussions about how Ghana and Africa should approach the global stage going forward.
From the eloquence of his words to the urgency of his themes, President Mahama’s address has been hailed as one of the defining moments of his international leadership—a speech that, as Richard Dela Sky put it, “puts Ghana on the international map for all the good reasons.”
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