Mahama condemns US visa denial to Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas ahead of UN General Assembly
Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has sharply criticised the United States for denying visas to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and his delegation, preventing their participation in the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Speaking at a UNGA side event on African and Global South solidarity, Mahama called the decision a “diplomatic affront” that undermines multilateralism and silences critical voices.
Mahmoud Abbas, the 90-year-old leader of the Palestinian Authority since 2005, was set to address the UNGA on Palestine’s ongoing quest for statehood and the escalating tensions in the occupied territories.
His absence, Mahama argued, weakens global efforts to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
“This is not just an issue for one nation but a challenge to the principles of multilateralism,” Mahama declared, urging the US to reconsider its stance.
“When we talk of resetting global governance, we must address barriers that silence voices from the Global South,” he added, linking the incident to his “Accra Reset” initiative for equitable global systems.
Mahama, speaking passionately, emphasised Abbas’ pivotal role in advocating for Palestinian rights and peace negotiations.
“President Abbas represents a people striving for justice and self-determination. Denying him a platform at the UNGA is an injustice to that cause,” he said.
The Ghanaian leader highlighted the broader implications, noting that such exclusions risk alienating nations of the Global South at a time when collective action is vital for addressing global crises like conflict and economic inequality.
The US has not publicly detailed the reasons for the visa denial, though sources suggest procedural issues were cited.
The move has drawn condemnation from other Global South leaders, who view it as part of a pattern of restrictive policies.
Mahama’s remarks align with his UNGA agenda, which includes promoting health sovereignty and economic recovery, exemplified by Ghana’s improved credit rating and the “Accra Reset” launch.
The visa controversy has sparked debate about diplomatic fairness, with Mahama calling for urgent dialogue to ensure inclusivity at future global forums. As UNGA continues, the absence of Abbas underscores the challenges of amplifying marginalized voices in shaping a just global order.
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