By James Amoh Junior, GNA
Accra, Oct. 27, GNA – Ghana has called for urgent reforms of the United Nations (UN) Security Council to ensure permanent African representation to restore confidence in multilateralism amid growing global challenges.
The call was made at the 2026 UN Flag Raising Ceremony in Accra to commemorate the organisation’s 81st anniversary, on the theme: “UN at 81: Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation”.
The UN was established 81 years ago following two world wars, with a commitment to preventing future generations from experiencing similar devastation.
The ceremony brought together government officials, diplomats, representatives of international organisations and other dignitaries.
Mr James Gyakye Quayson, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, said a more inclusive, equitable and accountable UN was essential to addressing global challenges and ensuring that the concerns of all member states were addressed.
Mr Quayson said the UN’s financial challenges, inability to resolve conflicts effectively and failure to meet some development commitments had weakened public confidence in the organisation.
“Restoring trust require consistent action, fulfilment of its mandate and tangible results” he said.
He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to working with the UN country team to advance national development priorities through social protection, climate resilience, and digital skills development, citing the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) Programme and the One Million Coders Programme as examples of international cooperation.
He also emphasised the need to address historical injustices through dialogue and solidarity to promote a more equitable international order.
Mr Quayson urged member states to use the anniversary to renew their commitment to the UN Charter and strengthen collective efforts towards global peace, security, justice, and prosperity.
Mr Zia Choudhury, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ghana, called for efforts to bridge the gap between the organisation and ordinary people to restore public confidence in multilateralism.
According to him, declining trust in multilateral institutions, misinformation on social media and divisive political narratives have contributed to perceptions that the UN was distant from the people it served.
He urged stakeholders to promote greater public understanding of multilateralism and ensure that the organisation’s work delivered tangible results for everyone.
Mr Choudhury commended Ghana for its consistent support for the UN and its commitment to international cooperation, international law, and multilateralism.
“Strengthening the UN’s three pillars of peace and security, human rights and sustainable development is essential to creating a world where everyone can enjoy dignity, equal opportunities and prosperity,” he stated.
He expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other government and UN stakeholders for organising the ceremony.
GNA
Edited by Linda Asante Agyei