President John Dramani Mahama has commended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa for leading Ghana’s successful campaign for re-election to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the 2027–2029 term.
Speaking at the commissioning of new ambassadors at Jubilee House in Accra on Friday, October 16, the President said the renewed mandate placed a responsibility on Ghana to contribute meaningfully to the promotion and protection of human rights globally.
“I commend the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Ministry for the successful campaign in achieving this,” he said.
President Mahama urged Ghana’s Mission in Geneva to translate the confidence demonstrated by member states into constructive engagement and credible service on the council.
Ghana secures renewed mandate
Ghana was re-elected to the 47-member council on October 14, 2026, during elections at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The country secured 173 votes out of 181 valid ballots, placing joint second globally alongside Kuwait and Nepal. Zambia led the African group with 177 votes, while Nigeria received 172.
Ghana’s new term begins on January 1, 2027, and ends on December 31, 2029. The country is currently serving a term secured in 2023, which expires at the end of 2026.
The Foreign Ministry led the re-election campaign, supported by Ghanaian diplomatic missions worldwide. Following the victory, Mr Ablakwa celebrated the outcome on social media, declaring, “Team Ghana keeps winning,” while thanking UN member states for their support.
Established in 2006 and headquartered in Geneva, the UNHRC is responsible for promoting and protecting human rights, addressing violations, conducting the Universal Periodic Review and appointing independent experts. Its members are expected to uphold the highest standards in the promotion and protection of human rights.
Mahama outlines priorities for Ghana’s Geneva mission
President Mahama charged Ghana’s Permanent Representative-designate to Geneva, Jedidiah Reuben Adogla, to ensure the country’s engagement consistently upholds international law, protects civilians and respects human dignity.
“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.
The President urged the envoy to articulate Ghana’s positions on public health, trade, labour and human rights clearly, while building support through sustained engagement with other delegations.
“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 also called for close coordination between Ghana’s mission in Geneva and ministries in Accra to ensure that the country’s negotiating positions reflect national priorities.
The President encouraged the mission to build coalitions with other African countries and advocate international rules that adequately consider the needs of developing economies.
He further tasked the envoy with advancing the government’s Accra Reset agenda in Geneva, particularly in discussions on health sovereignty, equitable access to essential health products and strengthening national capacity.
“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,” he added.
The Accra Reset agenda seeks to promote reforms in global health governance, strengthen local vaccine and pharmaceutical production, and improve Africa’s access to essential health commodities.
President Mahama reminded the newly commissioned envoys that, despite serving in different countries and international institutions, they represent one nation and one government.
He urged them to operate within the government’s policy framework and provide timely, reliable advice to support Ghana’s foreign policy objectives.
