‘Veto power must never be a licence for impunity’- President Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has called for greater accountability in the use of veto power at the United Nations, warning that sovereign equality must apply to all nations, regardless of their alliances with global powers.

Addressing the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, President Mahama said the credibility of the international system is being tested by conflicts around the world, particularly the situation in Gaza and the West Bank.

“The veto power must never serve as a licence for impunity. Sovereign equality cannot be a privilege reserved only for nations that are aligned with global superpowers” he stated.

GAZA/PALESTINE
President Mahama said the crisis in the Middle East demands a more decisive international response, urging world leaders to confront the humanitarian consequences of the conflict.

“The time has come for us to stop using diplomatic euphemisms to veil the human carnage that is taking place in Gaza” he advised.
He questioned how many more lives must be lost before the international community takes decisive action.

President Mahama said Ghana remains committed to the recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state and supports a two-state solution that guarantees peaceful coexistence, security and defined borders for both Israel and Palestine.

At the same time, he condemned attacks by Hamas and called on all parties to respect international humanitarian law.

CUBA/CEONOMIC EMBARGO
President Mahama also called for the lifting of the long-standing economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba, arguing that measures that impose collective economic hardship on civilians conflict with the principles of human dignity.

SAHEL SECURITY
Turning to Africa, he urged the international community to intensify efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, while calling for solidarity with countries confronting terrorism, particularly nations in the Sahel.

President Mahama further warned that instability in the Middle East is having consequences for the global economy and called for a return to negotiations and dialogue.

“No human civilisation deserves to be annihilated, and certainly not a member of the United Nations” he stated.

The President maintained that dialogue remains essential to resolving even the most difficult international disputes, as Ghana pushes for stronger adherence to international law and reforms to the global governance system.