President John Dramani Mahama has called for the appointment of the first female Secretary-General of the United Nations, saying that after 80 years of the organisation’s existence, the time has come for a woman to lead.
Speaking at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, President Mahama said representation matters and cannot be overlooked in the future of global leadership.
“Words matter, but issues of representation matter even more, which is why Ghana looks forward to the appointment of a woman as Secretary-General of this organisation in the future,” he said.
The Ghanaian leader also congratulated the presiding officer of this year’s General Assembly, highlighting the importance of her achievement.
“I would like to congratulate you on your election to preside over this historic 80th General Assembly, and on being the fifth woman to hold this distinction,” he noted.
President Mahama also pointed to Ghana’s own progress in gender representation, praising the election of the country’s first female vice president.
“I would also like to congratulate Her Excellency Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on being the first woman Vice President of Ghana. Now every Ghanaian girl knows the heights to which she can ascend,” he said.
He added that the call for a woman to lead the UN goes beyond symbolism, it is about shaping a fairer and more inclusive future.
“Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing,” he quoted.
“For the sake of Africa, and quite selfishly, for the sake of my 18-year-old daughter, I hope this new world that is arriving is a place of safety and equality for women and girls,” President Mahama said.
“To succeed, we must empower everyone, including women and girls, to reach their full potential,” he added.
