President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana has departed Accra for the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81) in New York. The high-level international gathering convenes under the theme "Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All". This year's event brings together world leaders to address pressing global issues.
During his time at the global summit, President Mahama will host two major side events. On September 21, 2026, he will host a High-Level Event on the Accra Reset, engaging world leaders under the theme "Full Circle: Making Global Development Work Again". This event aims to spearhead Africa's renaissance and drive global action on historical and economic justice.
President Mahama will also lead discussions on reparatory justice, centering on "From Commitments to Action on Reparatory Justice: Advancing International Cooperation for the Return and Restitution of Cultural Properties and Heritage" on September 23. These side events reflect Ghana's commitment to promoting economic development and addressing historical injustices.
In addition to his formal addresses, President Mahama will present Ghana's official national statement to the General Assembly during the main General Debate on September 24, 2026. He will also engage in high-level diplomatic meetings with world leaders, the UN Secretary-General, and top executives of multinational corporations to foster strategic partnerships.
To promote Ghana as a premier destination for foreign direct investment, President Mahama will ring the NASDAQ Closing Bell and participate in a US-Ghana Presidential Roundtable organized by the US-Africa Chamber of Commerce. These economic and policy engagements also include speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations and attending the Ocean Panel Leaders' Meeting.
Engaging with the Ghanaian community abroad is a key aspect of President Mahama's itinerary. He will host a Town Hall meeting in New York on September 25 to share updates on his national development vision. The presidential delegation accompanying him includes the First Lady, Mrs. Lordina Dramani Mahama, cabinet ministers, and senior officials.
Details of the visit were outlined in a press statement released on September 19, 2026, by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Member of Parliament and Spokesperson to the President. The statement provides a comprehensive overview of President Mahama's agenda and expected outcomes from his participation in the 81st UN General Assembly.
Key points
- President Mahama to host side events on economic development and reparatory justice at UNGA 81.
- President Mahama to engage in high-level diplomatic meetings and promote Ghana as a premier destination for foreign direct investment.
- President Mahama to host a Town Hall meeting in New York to share updates on his national development vision with the Ghanaian community.
