President John Dramani Mahama has commended the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for successfully leading Ghana’s campaign for re-election to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2027–2029 term.

President Mahama said Ghana’s re-election places a renewed responsibility on the country to contribute meaningfully and credibly to the work of the Council.

“Ghana’s re-election to the Human Rights Council for the 2027–2029 term places a renewed responsibility on us to contribute credibly and with purpose,” President Mahama said.

“I commend the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Ministry for the successful campaign in achieving this.”

The President made the remarks while addressing newly appointed Ghanaian envoys, including the country’s Permanent Representative-designate to the United Nations Office and allied international organisations in Geneva.

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He said Ghana must now translate the confidence reposed in the country by the international community into constructive service on the Council.

President Mahama consequently tasked Ghana’s mission in Geneva to articulate the country’s positions clearly and sustain engagement with other delegations on issues affecting Ghana and other developing economies.

He also urged the mission to work closely with relevant ministries and state agencies to ensure that Ghana’s negotiating positions at international institutions reflect the country’s national priorities.

“Build coalitions with African countries and other partners where our interests converge, and help ensure that international rules take account of the needs of developing economies,” he charged.

President Mahama further tasked the Geneva mission to advance Ghana’s agenda on health sovereignty, equitable access to essential health products and the strengthening of national capacity.

He said Ghana’s diplomatic representation must increasingly deliver practical outcomes for the country and ensure that its voice carries weight in major international decisions.

The President noted that the global environment was rapidly changing, with shifting alliances, increasing trade restrictions and growing competition over technology and natural resources.

He therefore urged Ghana’s diplomats to engage the international community with confidence and a clear understanding of the country’s national interests.

Ghana’s new term on the UN Human Rights Council will run from 2027 to 2029.