President Mahama commends Ablakwa for Ghana’s UNHRC re-election
President John Dramani Mahama has commended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, for successfully leading Ghana's campaign for re-election to the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Speaking at the commissioning of new ambassadors at the Jubilee House in Accra on Friday, October 16, the President said Ghana's re-election to the council for the 2027–2029 term placed a renewed responsibility on the country to contribute credibly and with purpose.
"I commend the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Ministry for the successful campaign in achieving this," he said.
President Mahama said he expects Ghana's Mission in Geneva to translate the confidence reposed in the country into constructive service on the council.
Background
Ghana was re-elected for a second consecutive term on the 47-member council on Tuesday, October 14, 2026, during elections by the UN General Assembly in New York, to serve from January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2029.
The country secured 173 votes out of 181 valid ballots, placing joint second globally with Kuwait and Nepal. Zambia topped the African group with 177 votes, while Nigeria secured 172 votes. Ghana is serving its current term, which ends December 31, 2026, having been elected in 2023.
The campaign was led by the Foreign Ministry, with Ghanaian missions worldwide lobbying for support. The Minister described the victory on social media as "Team Ghana keeps winning" and expressed gratitude to UN member states for electing Ghana.
The council, based in Geneva and established in 2006, is responsible for promoting and protecting human rights, addressing violations, conducting the Universal Periodic Review and appointing independent experts. Members are expected to uphold the highest human rights standards.
President's charge
President Mahama urged the Permanent Representative-designate to Geneva, Jedidiah Reuben Adogla, to ensure that Ghana's engagement consistently upholds international law.
"Our engagement must consistently uphold international law, the protection of civilians and the dignity of all people. The credibility of the international system depends on consistently applying these principles," he said.
He tasked the envoy to ensure the country's positions on public health, trade, labour and human rights are well articulated and backed by sustained engagement.
"You represent Ghana at institutions whose decisions affect public health, trade, labour and human rights. Ensure that our positions are well articulated, clearly expressed and supported by sustained engagement with other delegations," he said.
He urged close coordination with ministries in Accra so that Ghana's negotiating positions reflect national priorities, building coalitions with African countries and ensuring international rules take account of developing economies.
"You must also advance the Accra Reset agenda in Geneva, particularly in discussions on health sovereignty, equitable access to essential health products and stronger national capacity," the President added.
The Accra Reset agenda, launched by the Mahama administration, pushes for reform of global health governance, local vaccine and pharmaceutical production, and fairer access to essential health commodities for Africa.
President Mahama also reminded all envoys that while they will serve in different settings, they represent one country and one government, and must work within the government's policy framework, providing timely and reliable advice.
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