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by Fumiyasu Miyano, Staff Writer

NEW YORK— On April 25, Harold Agyeman, Permanent Representative of Ghana to the U.N., who serves as the chair for the third Preparatory Committee for the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty (NPT) Review Conference 2026 responded to an interview from the Chugoku Shinbun. Noting a serious confrontation was seen between nuclear powers and non-nuclear nations over a nuclear disarmament initiative, Mr. Agyeman called on the nuclear-armed nations to show “a political will to advance nuclear disarmament efforts.”

What is your view on the current international situation surrounding nuclear weapons?
The U.S. and Russia still continue to possess the majority of nuclear weapons in the world. I am also very concerned by the move of some nations to become new possessors of nuclear weapons and the argument to justify a nuclear threat. No clear path is seen towards elimination of nuclear weapons now. However, tensions among nations cannot be an excuse to step back from nuclear disarmament. It is necessary to advance nuclear disarmament for the survival of humanity. I would like the nuclear powers to execute nuclear disarmament actions required by the Treaty.

Has the Treaty on Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) created division among nations?
Nations which joined TPNW are committed to not possess a nuclear weapon, contributing to the stability of international society. If the nations possessing nuclear weapons indicate a political will to move forward with a nuclear disarmament initiative, it will be possible to overcome divisions between them and non-nuclear nations.

How have you received the recommendation compiled at the sixth meeting of the International Group of Eminent Persons for a World Without Nuclear Weapons, an initiative led by the Japanese government?
I want to express my gratitude for their contribution. Its action plan respectively developed for nuclear-armed nations and non-nuclear nations toward the advancement of nuclear disarmament is a proposal which can enhance the NPT framework. If nuclear-armed nations are able to ensure their accountability, they can regain trust from non-nuclear nations. It would be a big step forward if we agree on a form of reporting.

What do you keep in mind most as chair of the committee?
My biggest role is to facilitate honest and constructive dialogue. Towards the NPT review meeting to be held next year, I would like to make an utmost effort so the recommendation can be adopted unanimously. If we give up by saying it has never been achieved in the past, the game will be over.

Profile

Harold Agyeman
Born in Alsatian, Ghana in 1971. Has been appointed as Ghana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations since 2021, after having served several posts such as the Director of Administration of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the High Commission of Ghana to India.

(Originally published on April 27, 2025)