President John Dramani Mahama has warned that the internet, social media and artificial intelligence give the world a false sense of connection while actually deepening isolation and division.
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, president Mahama noted that time and technology have eroded traditional communal spaces and said the UN remains the modern “town square” for the global community.
According to him, online algorithms trap users in echo chambers, making it easier to spread disinformation, manipulated images and “alternative facts.”
He said these practices are fuelling division at a time when the world is facing a rise in nationalism, economic instability and a breakdown of multilateralism.
President Mahama expressed concern that the current situation resembles conditions that led to the failure of the League of Nations.
He criticised the denial of visas to some leaders, describing it as a worrying sign for UN member states.
The president reaffirmed Ghana’s recognition of the State of Palestine since 1988 and support for a two-state solution.
He stressed that this would protect innocent Palestinians facing collective punishment, not reward extremist groups.
President Mahama called for an end to the violence in Gaza and urged member nations to speak clearly about what is happening there.
He also drew attention to the war in Sudan, described as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, and urged member states to assist Sudanese refugees as they did with refugees from Ukraine.
He pointed out that many migrants from the Global South are climate refugees, yet wealthier nations emit most greenhouse gases while poorer countries suffer the harshest effects.
He said desertification is forcing people to flee their homes.
The president added that migrants should not be portrayed as invaders or criminals and highlighted success stories of people of Ghanaian descent who have excelled abroad.
He further called for the transatlantic slave trade to be recognised as the greatest crime against humanity and announced Ghana’s plan to introduce a motion on reparations at the UN.
By: Jacob Aggrey
