President Mahama Challenges US Exceptionalism at the 80th UN General Assembly

President John Dramani Mahama addressed the 80th United Nations General Assembly, criticising the actions and multilateral ideals of the United States of America (USA). He highlighted the outdated representation in the UN Security Council, where the US and four other superpowers hold permanent seats with veto power. Mahama emphasized the need for a mechanism to challenge a veto and for Africa, with its numerous UN member states, to have at least one permanent seat on the Security Council.

Key Takeaways:

• President Mahama challenged the US-led post-WWII order, where the US and four other superpowers hold permanent Security Council seats with veto power.
• He emphasized the need for a mechanism to challenge a veto, citing the outdated representation in the UN Security Council.
• Mahama called for a two-state solution to the Israel-Gaza conflict, condemning the denial of visas to President Abbas and the Palestinian delegation.
• He criticized the US-led sanctions against Cuba, calling for the removal of the economic embargo on Cuba.
• Mahama highlighted the need for reparations for the enslavement of Africans, recognizing the slave trade as the greatest crime against humanity.
• He demanded a reset of the US-dominated global financial architecture, which he noted is currently rigged against Africa.

Statistics:

• 80th UNGA: President Mahama emphasized the need for a mechanism to challenge a veto.
• 30-minute address by President Mahama at the 80th UN General Assembly.
• 12 million new refugees from Sudan, whom President Mahama referred to as a global community responsibility.
• 40% drop in humanitarian aid to Africa since July 2024.
• Five permanent members (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) hold veto power on the UN Security Council.

Sources:

• Ghana Web, from 26 September 2025, "President John Dramani Mahama addressed the 80th United Nations General Assembly, where he shared his positions on matters of global concern."
• Statement by the US Department of State, July 28, 2025, rejecting a UN conference on a two-state solution, describing it as unproductive.