Ghana has renewed its call for the total elimination of nuclear weapons, warning that continued delays in disarmament are weakening confidence in the global non-proliferation regime.
The country is also urging stronger political will and deeper multilateral cooperation to advance global disarmament efforts.
Mr Samuel Yao Kumah, Ghana’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, made the call at the 2026 Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
He said Ghana aligns with the positions of the African Group and the Non-Aligned Movement, particularly their demand for balanced progress across the treaty’s three core pillars disarmament, non proliferation, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Mr Kumah emphasised that Ghana’s foreign policy remains firmly committed to the pursuit of a world free of nuclear weapons.
He warned that the lack of consensus during preparatory meetings for the conference reflects growing divisions among states and highlights the urgent need for compromise and renewed commitment.
According to him, the treaty remains the foundation of global efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, but its credibility is increasingly under pressure due to limited progress in fulfilling disarmament obligations.
He cautioned that the continued failure to implement these commitments risks eroding trust among member states and undermining the effectiveness of the treaty.
Describing nuclear weapons as an existential threat, Mr Kumah stressed that their humanitarian consequences cannot be justified under any circumstances.
He also expressed concern over the ongoing modernisation and expansion of nuclear arsenals, noting that such actions contradict the objectives of the treaty.
Ghana is therefore calling on nuclear weapon states to honour their legal and political commitments by taking concrete steps towards eliminating their arsenals.
On non proliferation, the Ambassador underscored the importance of full compliance with international safeguards and called for diplomatic solutions to emerging concerns in line with international law.
He reaffirmed Ghana’s support for the peaceful use of nuclear energy, especially for developing countries seeking to advance sectors such as health, agriculture, and energy.
He also called for stronger international cooperation through the International Atomic Energy Agency to ensure fair access to nuclear technology.
Despite rising global tensions, Mr Kumah urged states not to use current geopolitical challenges as justification for inaction, stressing the need for decisive progress.
Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Mr Rafael Mariano Grossi, described the treaty as a stabilising force in an increasingly uncertain global environment.
He noted that the agreement, which came into force in 1970 and now has widespread global participation, remains one of the most important instruments in international law.
Mr Grossi warned against growing narratives in some countries that support the acquisition of nuclear weapons under the guise of national security, stating that such arguments undermine global peace.
He highlighted progress made in strengthening safeguards and inspection systems, noting that most member states have adopted key verification frameworks.
On energy, Mr Grossi said demand for nuclear power is rising as countries seek reliable and low carbon energy sources. He pointed to growing interest among developing nations investing in nuclear programmes.
He also noted increasing support from international financial institutions for nuclear energy projects, including recent collaboration between the International Atomic Energy Agency and the World Bank.
Beyond energy, he said nuclear science continues to support development through applications in healthcare and agriculture.
He cited initiatives that are expanding cancer treatment services and improving food security through advanced agricultural techniques.
The conference comes at a time of heightened global uncertainty, but stakeholders maintain that renewed commitment to the treaty’s principles remains essential for global security and sustainable development.
