President John Mahama has said democratic governance would lose its meaning if citizens did not experience tangible improvements in their daily lives.

Addressing the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, he said democracy must go beyond elections and deliver improvements in the lives of citizens.

“I have always believed that democracy must deliver tangible social benefits,” President Mahama said.

“Citizens must experience democracy not only through the ballot box every four years, but through improved access to food, quality education, decent housing, accessible healthcare, and economic opportunity.”

President Mahama described Ghana as “arguably the most stable democracy in Africa,” saying the country believes in the rule of law and respects human rights.

“We’re determined to demonstrate that democracy works,” he said.

The President also charged African leaders to be accountable and to use state funds judiciously to provide quality services to citizens.

He said Ghana had recorded a significant economic turnaround under his administration through what he described as disciplined governance, fiscal prudence and an uncompromising fight against corruption.

“In less than two years into my administration, through disciplined governance and fiscal prudence and an uncompromising fight against corruption, Ghana has achieved a dramatic economic turnaround. Indeed, some circles describe it as the Ghanaian miracle,” he said.