The Australia–New Zealand Chapter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) wishes to express their profound congratulations to HE President John Dramani Mahama and the Government of Ghana for delivering one of the most impactful and inspiring messages at the 80th United Nations General Assembly.

Your leadership and eloquence shone brightly on the global stage, as you effortlessly articulated the needs and aspirations of Africa and the world.

Your call for global governance reform, economic justice, and climate and humanitarian action vibrated profoundly, and your vision for Africa's future is truly empowering.

Your message was a testament to your dedication to the people of Ghana and the African continent.

Addressing the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama delivered a forceful call for structural reforms within the United Nations and greater recognition of Africa’s growing importance in shaping the future of the world. with the following highlights.

Africa's Resilience and Future: Mr Mahama highlighted Africa's remarkable ability to bounce from challenges, citing Ghana's exemplary economic turnaround. He declared, "The future is African," emphasizing the continent's rising demographic and economic significance.

Global Governance Reform: Mr Mahama pressed for reforms in global governance, particularly in the UN Security Council, to give Africa a greater voice. He demanded at least one permanent seat with veto power for Africa, arguing that the current structure is outdated and unfair.

He also demanded reforms to the global financial system, which he said is “rigged against Africa.”

Reparations and Restitution: The president emphasized the need for reparations for transatlantic slave trade and colonization, which he described as the greatest crimes against humanity, and the return of stolen African artefacts, and a fairer share of natural resource benefits for African nations.

“We are tired of people extracting the most they can from us and offering the least in return,” he said.

Climate Change and Economic Justice: He highlighted the urgent threat of climate change, citing its impact on island nations, desertification, and deforestation. Mr Mahama criticized the current global financial architecture, which he said is rigged against Africa.

He called for a reset of the system to ensure fairer treatment of African nations.

Conflict Resolution and Empowering Women and Girls: The president drew attention to ongoing conflicts, particularly in Sudan, describing the situation as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, and urged the international community to provide humanitarian assistance to affected populations.

Given the devastating humanitarian crisis resulting in significant loss of women and children, Mahama therefore stressed the importance of empowering women and girls, saying, "To succeed, we must empower everyone, including women and girls, to reach their full potential."

Ghana's Progress: Mahama showcased Ghana's economic progress under his leadership, including a significant reduction in inflation and a strengthened currency – the cedi, which Bloomberg recognized as the world’s best-performing currency at one point in 2025.

He attributed this success to his government's "reset agenda" aimed at restructuring Ghana's economic foundation.

Overall, Mahama's speech at UNGA 80 was a perfect blend of culture, history, arts and science and a call to action for greater recognition of Africa's role in shaping the future global order and for reforms to ensure a more equitable and just world.

The Chapter further congratulates HE Mia Mottley, the Prime Minister of Barbados for echoing the voice of HE President Mahama by calling for the resolution of ongoing conflicts in Sudan, Gaza and Ukraine and the need for peace, humanitarian assistance, and the release of hostages.

The Chapter is pleased with your call for empowering the future through resilience of children and for global leaders to summon the political will to create a better world while emphasising climate change and finance, global governance reform, fossil fuel emissions and funding for green energy transition as well as rules-based international system to ensure global peace and stability.

While we are proud of you, HE President Mahama, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and the entire government delegation for the outstanding success at the UNGA 80 2025, we wish to encourage you, Mr President, to work harder and bring an end to the dreadful illegal mining which has destroyed much of the country’s water, forest, land and human resources to protect the climate and the Ghanaian people as you underscored at the UNGA 80, 2025.

We thank you for extoling Ghana’s first female Vice President, Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, and calling for a woman to be appointed as the UN’s future Secretary-General.

May your words continue to inspire and shape a brighter future for all.