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Ghana President tells U.N. to dance to tune of Michael Jackson

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President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana addresses the United Nations General Assembly in New York

Ghana’s President John Mahama told global leaders on Wednesday they should learn a thing or two from the King of Pop Michael Jackson and finally turn his song “Heal the World” into reality.

Mahama, who is to seek re-election later this year, touched on some of the more serious issues affecting his continent ranging from the plight of African migrants to growing xenophobia across the world and regional leaders clinging to power.

But having been born the same year as the deceased Jackson, in 1957, Mahama could not resist a lyrical appeal to the annual gathering of world leaders who have spent the week shuffling from one crisis to the next.

“The words of his 1991 hit song ‘Heal the World’ continue to echo from his grave. It is my wish that history will record our time here in this hall as one that gave reality to Michael Jackson’s song, heal the world, make the world a better place for you and me, and the entire human race.”

Reminding the world that the fall of the Berlin Wall had opened a new era of globalisation, trade and interaction, Mahama bemoaned that refugees trying to make a better life for themselves were being made the scapegoats. Reports Reuters

 

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