President John Dramani Mahama has presented Ghana’s democratic record to the international community, describing the country as “arguably the most stable democracy in Africa” and stressing Ghana’s commitment to constitutional governance, the rule of law and human rights.
President Mahama made the remarks while addressing the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 24, 2026. The UN’s 81st session opened on September 8, with the general debate taking place from September 22–26 and continuing on September 28.
In his address, President Mahama said:
“Ghana is arguably the most stable democracy in Africa. We believe in the rule of law and have respect for human rights.”
He added that his government was determined to demonstrate that democratic governance can work, while acknowledging that decision-making under democracy can sometimes be slower because constitutional processes must be respected. In his argument, that process can make progress more sustainable because it is based on public participation and consensus-building.
The President also described Ghana as a strong example of constitutional democracy, media freedom, the rule of law and peaceful transfers of political power on the African continent.
Mahama’s remarks on Ghana formed part of a broader appeal for African governments to strengthen transparency and accountability.
While demanding reforms to the international system and a stronger voice for Africa in global decision-making, the President said African leaders must also address governance challenges at home.
He called for greater accountability and stronger efforts against corruption, arguing that public resources must be used efficiently in the interests of citizens.
Mahama’s description of Ghana as “arguably” Africa’s most stable democracy is an assessment he presented in his UN speech, rather than an official UN ranking of African democracies.
His argument rested largely on Ghana’s record of constitutional government, respect for human rights and peaceful political transitions. He said the country’s experience demonstrates that democratic institutions can provide stability even when governments and political leadership change.
The wider UN discussions themselves have emphasized that democracy involves more than elections. In a message marking the 2026 International Day of Democracy, UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted human rights, the rule of law and meaningful civic and political participation as central elements of democratic societies.
The President used the UN platform to discuss Ghana’s economy as well.
He attributed what he described as a significant economic turnaround to fiscal discipline, prudent governance and anti-corruption measures. Ghana News Agency reported that Mahama told the Assembly that his administration had made progress in stabilising the economy less than two years after returning to office.
His speech went beyond domestic affairs. Mahama called for changes to the international financial architecture, permanent African representation on the UN Security Council, greater African value addition to natural resources, and international partnerships based on mutual respect rather than what he characterised as dependency or exploitation.
Ghana’s history of peaceful transfers of power provides important context for the President’s message, but democratic performance remains something citizens, institutions and political leaders continually shape.
Claims about the strength of any democracy can also be assessed through concrete measures—including protection of civil liberties, judicial independence, media freedom, electoral integrity, institutional accountability and equal application of the law.
President Mahama’s message at the UN was therefore both a statement about Ghana’s democratic record and a commitment his administration can continue to be measured against: respect for the rule of law, constitutional governance and human rights.
Moment of Wisdom; Time for Wisdom.
