Mahama leaves Accra for New York as Ghana prepares for major UNGA engagements

President John Dramani Mahama has left Accra for New York to represent Ghana at the 81st United Nations General Assembly, where he is scheduled to deliver Ghana’s official statement and lead a series of high-level diplomatic engagements.

The President departed Ghana on Saturday, September 19, 2026, ahead of the high-level General Debate, which runs from September 22 to 28 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

The 81st UN General Assembly is being held under the theme “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All.”

Mahama to address world leaders

One of the key moments of the President’s visit will come on Thursday, September 24, when he delivers Ghana’s official statement during the main General Debate.

The address will provide Ghana with an opportunity to outline its positions on issues of international cooperation, development and other matters before the global community.

Accra Reset takes centre stage

President Mahama is also scheduled to host a high-level event on the Accra Reset on Monday, September 21.

The event, themed “Full Circle: Making Global Development Work Again,” will bring together world leaders to discuss reforms to global development and international cooperation.

Reparatory justice event

On Wednesday, September 23, the President will host another high-level side event focused on reparatory justice.

The event, titled “From Commitments to Action on Reparatory Justice: Advancing International Cooperation for the Return and Restitution of Cultural Properties and Heritage,” will focus on international cooperation regarding the return and restitution of cultural properties and heritage.

Investment and diplomatic engagements

Beyond the formal UN programme, President Mahama is expected to hold meetings with world leaders, the UN Secretary-General and executives of multinational companies.

His programme also includes engagements aimed at strengthening international partnerships and promoting Ghana as a destination for business and investment.

As part of those activities, the President is scheduled to ring the NASDAQ Closing Bell and participate in a US-Ghana Presidential Roundtable organised by the US-Africa Chamber of Commerce.

He is also expected to speak at the Council on Foreign Relations and participate in the Ocean Panel Leaders’ Meeting.

Town Hall with Ghanaians

President Mahama will also engage members of the Ghanaian community in New York.

On Friday, September 25, he is scheduled to host a Town Hall meeting with Ghanaians in the United States, providing an opportunity to discuss his administration’s vision for national development.

Who is travelling with Mahama?

The President is accompanied by First Lady Lordina Dramani Mahama, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, other Cabinet ministers, senior officials from the Presidency and other government officials.

With a packed diplomatic programme ahead, President Mahama’s participation at the 81st UN General Assembly is expected to combine Ghana’s official presentation at the world body with engagements on development, investment, international cooperation and historical justice.