Campaign against global poverty launched

Accra, Oct.9, GNA - A global campaign dubbed; "Stand up and Speak out" against the eradication of poverty and hunger by 2015 was on Tuesday launched in Accra with a call on policy-makers and rich nations to honour their promises to poor countries under the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

This year's campaign is targeting one million Ghanaians, which would include members of the various coalitions and individuals who are expected to sign to the movement to stand up and speak out against poverty.

The coalition has also lined up a week of activities from Oct 9-16 to include floats, talks and lectures at churches, markets, schools and other public places with all culminating in a Stand Up and Speak Out Day on October 17, 2007.

The Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP) in collaboration with a coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) is organizing the programme to raise awareness and promote advocacy among the Ghanaian population towards the eradication of poverty and hunger. Mr Kofi Amponsah Bediako, Government Spokesperson on Social Services who represented Mrs. Oboshie Sai-Coffie, Minister of Information and National Orientation (MINO), launching the programme said poverty eradication was fundamental to the attainment of better life for the citizenry.

He said government fully supported the Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs) for their determination to eradicate poverty. He said the fight against hunger and poverty should not be left to government alone.

Mr. Dauda Toure, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative urged the campaigners to educate the people on why they must stand up and speak against hunger and inequality in the world.

He said the GCAP and other global campaigners were making sure that the international community kept faith with the people by fulfilling their pledges.

He said achieving universal primary education, promoting gender equality and empowering women, reducing child mortality and maternal mortality were some of the declarations made under the MDGs. Mr. Toure said MDGs should be the minimum package that developing countries must address if they really wanted to eradicate hunger and poverty.