President John Mahama has used his address to the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York to call for the appointment of the first woman Secretary-General of the world body.

Speaking to global leaders, he stressed that issues of representation cannot be ignored.

“Words matter, but issues of representation matter even more, which is why Ghana looks forward to the appointment of a woman as Secretary-General of this organisation in the future,” he declared.

The Ghanaian leader congratulated the presiding officer of the session, noting the symbolism of her achievement.

“I would like to congratulate you on your election to preside over this historic 80th General Assembly, and on being the fifth woman to hold this distinction,” he said.

President Mahama also hailed Ghana’s own progress, citing the election of the country’s first female vice president.

“I would also like to congratulate Her Excellency Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on being the first woman Vice President of Ghana. Now every Ghanaian girl knows the heights to which she can ascend.”

For John Mahama, the push for a female UN chief is about more than symbolism. It is about the future of the world and the empowerment of women everywhere.

“Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing,” he quoted.

He added, “For the sake of Africa, and quite selfishly, for the sake of my 18-year-old daughter, I hope this new world that is arriving is a place of safety and equality for women and girls.

"To succeed, we must empower everyone, including women and girls, to reach their full potential.”