President John Dramani Mahama has described as a “dastardly act” the Al-Shabaab massacre of innocent lives at Westgate mall in Kenya, which claimed the lives of 70 people and injured about 175 victims.

President Mahama in his emotional, yet concise speech, condemned the terrorist attack this afternoon while addressing world leaders at the 68th United Nations General Assembly session.

He also commiserates with the families of those who lost their lives during the attack whilst expressing his deep regrets for the loss of the popular Ghanaian poet, Prof. Kofi Awoonor, who was also the Chairman of the Council of State during late President Atta Mills' administration.

President Mahama, however, condemned in strong words, terrorist groups in Africa and their activities in the world: “the days of massacre must remain in our past. We will console ourselves, but we cannot allow terror to defeat us. As a matter of fact, this must strengthen our resolve”

The 6th democratic elected President of Ghana recounts the effort of the Republic in contributing to peace in the West African sub-region. He said: “Ghana has remained peaceful despite political challenges, and we have also been making sure our territory will not be used as a launching ground for terrorist attacks”.

Mahama who re-affirms Ghana’s support for the arms treaty, also added his voice to the reforms expected to take place in the United Nations council.

Speaking on Ghana’s effort in ensuring that idle youths are not hijack by terrorists, Mahama said: "Ghana has developed an entrepreneurship development fund meant to empower youths, which will soon kick start in the country".

Mahama also urged African leaders to engage policy and styles of leadership that will transform Africa’s economy, by adding value to primary products emerging from Africa: “keeping the concept of economic value” he submitted.