Ghana ready to deepen co-operation with UN – Foreign Ministry official

The government of Ghana says it will continue to support the efforts of the United Nations in promoting international peace and security, economic growth and development as essential tools for the realization of security and prosperity of member states.

Additionally, Ghana intends to continue to export the strength of its democratic institutions by building on its democratic processes to serve as an inspiration for stability and progress in Africa.

The Deputy Director of the Multilateral Bureau of Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Madam Adisa Yakubu who made the pledge in Accra said Ghana will be seeking to complement its role not only as a beacon for African Independence and Unity but also as a beacon for democratic governance, the rule of law, stability and progress.

Madam Yakubu told a United Nations Outreach Forum for Students held in Accra that Ghana has always worked closely with the United Nations in achieving its objectives of promoting international cooperation and improving the living standards of people and will continue to do so.

The day’s Forum was organised by the Ghana United Nations Students and Youth Association (GUNSA) with support from the United Nations System in Ghana, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and the National Inter-Ministerial Ad-hoc National Planning Committee for the 73rd United Nations Day Commemoration in Ghana.

The Forum was on the theme “Making the United Nations relevant to all: global leadership and shared responsibilities for peaceful, equitable and sustainable societies” and was attended by 260 students from 17 Senior High Schools in the Greater Accra Region.

Madam Yakubu recalled that apart from actively participating in several United Nations Peacekeeping operations around the world, Ghana has also provided numerous administrative and professional and diplomatic personnel to support the UN’s work at various locations around the world.

“In addition, Ghana has served on the Security Council which has the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security as a non-permanent member three times: 1962-1963, 1986-1987 and 2006-200”, Madam Yakubu said.

Speaking on the topic “The significance of the United Nations in maintaining global peace”, an official from the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), Madam Linda Gyala said the United Nations through its binding Treaties and Conventions, works to ensure elimination of illicit weapons, improvement of standards and infrastructure while ensuring living standards and fundamental human rights are upheld, respected and protected.

According to Madam Gyala, UN complements efforts by countries to sustain peace and development.

“In Ghana, complementary efforts between UN and the Government encouraged a successful launch of United Nations Sustainable Partnerships (UNSDP) in October to promote the SDGs Agenda aligned with the country’s development strategies to eliminate hunger, poverty and leaving no one behind”, she added.

The National Youth Wing Co-ordinator of GUNSA, Mr Anane Yao Kuwornu who spoke on “The UN, the SDGs and young people” reaffirmed the desire and commitment of GUNSA to lead in the achievement of goals in the 17 SDGs using young people as the main drivers.

“It is evident that we can consider civil society youth organizations especially GUNSA, as the perfect interface between the government and people of Ghana and the United Nations towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals”, Mr Kuwornu said.

The National President of GUNSA, Mr KwashieKlu-Duvor asked young people to educate and position themselves properly to take up leadership of the future.

The event was Chaired by the Africa Regional Director of the Geneva-based International Students and Youth Movement for the United Nations (ISMUN), Mr Ernest Gyimah-Danquah.