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18 July 2022
Japan and UNIDO to Promote Kaizen Practices to Foster the Development of Ghanaian MSMEs in Sustainable AgriBusiness
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Speech
13 July 2022
UN Resident Coordinator Commends Ghana's Second VNR efforts
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Speech
12 July 2022
Statement at a Workshop for CSOs for the Review, Validation & Submission of Shadow Reports under Ghana’s UN UPR 4th Cycle Review
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The Sustainable Development Goals in Ghana
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Ghana:
Story
02 August 2021
265 communities in Northern Ghana receive resilient water sanitation and hygiene facilities under joint UN programme
Several communities in Northern Ghana are pronounced flood prone, owing mainly to the low-lying nature of the area. Floods in this part of the country are perennial thereby increasing the vulnerability of the people in the area to infections, illness, loss of livelihoods, lack of farmlands and school closures.
Besides, access to poor water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services pose yet another key public health challenge for flood prone areas in Northern Ghana. With only about 10% of the population said to use improved sanitation facilities, and high cases of open defecation, the situation is worrisome. For the people, “issues of water and sanitation can be life threatening, especially when disaster occurs” says the Country Representative of the UNFPA, Mr. Niyi Ojuolape. Further buttressing the seriousness of the situation, Dr. Eric Moukoro, the Programme Manager, UN-Habitat , said “when it floods, the water washes the poor WASH facilities into the streams, rivers and un-elevated and poorly built hand-dug wells thereby contaminating the very source of their drinking water”, a situation that makes the people in the North susceptible to several health hazards.
To address this daunting poor sanitation menace, and support the people to build resilient WASH facilities that can prevent vulnerability to natural disaster in the area, the United Nations in Ghana, represented by four agencies, namely, UN-Habitat, UNICEF, UNDP and WHO implemented the UN Water and Sanitation in Disaster Prone Communities Programme, (WASH in DPC) targeting 265 disaster prone communities in Northern Ghana. Through the programme, approximately 300,000 people in these communities, schools and healthcare facilities have received resilient water and sanitation infrastructure and thereby allowing for their social inclusion and universal access to water and sanitation and other essential services related to disaster management with early warning mechanisms by communities and Government bodies, including the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO). The 3-year programme was funded by Global Affairs (GAC), an endorsement of Canada’s aspiration “to foster an inclusive society where everyone’s needs are met” says Mr. Eric Chimsi, Development Officer at the Canadian High Commission.
Recently, to officially close the WASH in DPC programme, the UN and implementing partners toured some beneficiary communities in the North to appreciate the extent of work and the impact of the facilities and services provided by the programme. They also interacted with some residents, many of whom say the easy access to reliable water has made their lives easier and less stressful.
Adisa Abdul Rhaman, a 28-year old mother of five says “I no longer rush home from work only to travel another distance to fetch water at the end of each day”. Beaming with smiles, Palabe Dorcas Kolan told us “Gone are the days when we used to fight at the stream over water. These days, we do not fight. All you have to do is bring your bucket to the water station, pay a little amount and fetch”.
In Ward K, the UN and partners handed over two water stations and hand washing facilities to the people at a brief ceremony. They would serve the community and be fit for purpose in times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is pleasing to note the inclusion of COVID-19 protocol behavioral change communication in the programme” says Mr. Chimsi. He further identified the strong coordination effort between the UN and implementing partners including the Government of Ghana which was significant for the successful implementation of the programme. He advised that lessons learnt from the implementation of the WASH in DPC should inform future WASH interventions. Mr. Chimsi noted that the facility management system needs to be formalized to ensure the project is sustainable.
Prior to the field visit, the UN team and partners met in the Northern regional capital, Tamale to reflect on the achievements made from the implementation of the Joint WASH in DPC programme. The meeting brought together representatives of the GAC, the UN in Ghana, Civil Society Organisations and government officials from the regional levels.
According to the Regional Environmental Health Director of the Savannah Region, Alhaji Adam Wahab, the WASH in DPC programme has imparted a lot of people and has heightened people’s understanding of the occurrence of flood and how to prepare for it even at the individual family level. He explained that the Region has also benefited a lot from the programme in terms of the training received to be able to provide technical backstopping for ensuring the construction of WASH facilities that are resilient and can stand the test of time.
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17 April 2020
United Nations calls for greater protection for children in the face of COVID-19
As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads across the globe, we are seeing an alarming pattern.
The poorest and most vulnerable members of society are being hardest hit, both by the pandemic and the response.
The report urges governments and donors to prioritize education for all children.
It recommends the provision of economic assistance, including cash transfers, to low-income families and minimize disruptions to social and healthcare services for children.
It further recommends specific protection for the most vulnerable – children in conflict situations; child refugees and displaced persons; children living with disabilities and those living in slums.
In a statement, the UN Secretary-General noted that "as health services become overwhelmed, sick children are less able to access care." He added that "with the global recession gathering pace, there could be hundreds of thousands additional child deaths in 2020."
He therefore appealed to families everywhere, and leaders at all levels to protect our children.
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Publication
13 May 2022
UN Ghana Newsletter - May 2022
This edition features our coordinated humanitarian support in response to the gas explosion in Apeatse, in the Western region of Ghana; some work around the sustenance of peace and security; empowering local entrepreneurs to meet global export requirements; and joint advocacy on critical cross cutting areas such as gender, health and HIV/AIDS and a lot more of our work in the past couple of months.
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Story
21 June 2021
Climate-proof adaptation revitalizes a local economy and empowers women in Ghana
Climate change and unpredictable flooding make the river in Mframafaw periodically impassable. It is a huge problem for Madam Meliama Sulemana, a farmer, and her seven children. When it floods, Madam Meliama and her children are cut off from the nearby market where she sells her produce, and from their school.
After consultations with the local community, a culvert and a bridge are being constructed to channel the floodwaters away from the community and provide a safe access-way to local services. The construction is under the Boosting Green Employment and Enterprise Opportunities in Ghana (GrEEn) project. The GrEEn project is a four-year initiative of the European Union, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana, SNV Netherlands Development Organisation and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF). It is funded by the European Union Emergency Trust Fund (EUTF) for Africa, SNV and UNCDF. It aims at creating greater economic and employment opportunities for youth, women and returning migrants by promoting and supporting sustainable, green businesses in the Ashanti and Western Regions of Ghana; helping people like Ms Sulemana.
Mframafaw is a lowland farming community, about 25km from Offinso in the Ashanti region of Ghana. A few years ago, Ms Sulemana and her family depended on income from the farm for food and school fees for her children. She planted maize, oranges and rice. Her high hopes for the future have faded as climate change has made it difficult for her and her family to make a living or access basic services like schools and hospitals.
“The situation has gotten so bad that we leave the fruits to rot in the farms since we do not see any point in harvesting them when we know there’s no way to get them to the market” said Ms Sulemana. “In the past I used to make enough money from my farm and was even able to save but now I barely earn enough to feed my family. Without external assistance, pregnant women in this town find it impossible to access healthcare during the raining season,” she added.
Today, the GrEEn project is taking the Local Climate Adaptive Living facility to Phase II in Ghana, using LoCAL's innovative performance-based climate resilience grants, hosted by UNCDF, to channel finance to local governments for locally led adaptation actions. Activities, guided by the needs of the community, might include land regeneration, green economic investments or climate proofed infrastructure development, as in Mframafaw.
One of the benefits of the LoCAL approach is its flexibility, allowing local communities to identify their needs and collaborate in finding a climate-proof solution. Over the years, the village and local government authorities have tried to construct makeshift bridges over the river, which now breaks its banks every rainy season. The bridges are washed away whenever there is a heavy downpour. The women also tried splitting their harvest into small bundles to carry on their heads through the floodwaters, or contract local men with access to motorized tricycles to help them transport their goods. But these options proved either time consuming, hazardous and or costly. According to Ms Sulemana and other women in the community, the plans for the bridge and culvert come just in time as climate change had collapsed commercial farming activities and the village children were missing out on school. With the construction of the bridge and culvert under the GrEEn initiative, children will now find it easy to travel to school and farming activities are expected to resume.
One of the benefits of the LoCAL approach is its flexibility, allowing local communities to identify their needs and collaborate in finding a climate-proof solution. Over the years, the village and local government authorities have tried to construct makeshift bridges over the river, which now breaks its banks every rainy season. The bridges are washed away whenever there is a heavy downpour. The women also tried splitting their harvest into small bundles to carry on their heads through the floodwaters, or contract local men with access to motorized tricycles to help them transport their goods. But these options proved either time consuming, hazardous and or costly. According to Ms Sulemana and other women in the community, the plans for the bridge and culvert come just in time as climate change had collapsed commercial farming activities and the village children were missing out on school. With the construction of the bridge and culvert under the GrEEn initiative, children will now find it easy to travel to school and farming activities are expected to resume.
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28 June 2022
UN Ghana cleans Ussher Fort beach
The ocean is the largest, most complex ecosystem on Earth. It covers 71% of the planet’s surface and is responsible for producing at least half of the world’s oxygen and regulating the climate, as well as providing means of livelihood for over three billion people. Unfortunately, the health of our oceans and the creatures that call them home are facing unprecedented threats resulting from pollution and it is being overfished. In the efforts to scale up action and set in motion science-based innovation solutions for global ocean action, the Governments of Kenya and Portugal are co-hosting the United Nations Ocean Conference in Lisbon Portugal from 27 June to 1 July.
The importance of protecting our marines, seas and oceans cannot be underestimated. Our oceans are our lifeblood; they provide us with jobs, they offer clean energy, and they store carbon, all of which are important. They also provide the habitat for many species of animals and plants, which are essential to our planet.
The United Nations in Ghana held a clean-up exercise at the Ussher Fort Beach as part of activities leading to the UN Ocean Conference taking place in Lisbon, Portugal. The clean-up was held in partnership with the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board and Zoomlion Ghana Limited, and was supported by UN-Habitat.
Residents of the community, representing a large proportion of fisherfolk, were actively involved. They were sensitized on the essence of protecting our marines, oceans and seas. Speaking at the event, the UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Charles Abani said, “Life in the ocean is extremely important. If it dies, so do we. And so, it is really important that we work from community level, across governments, across society to ensure that we are not dumping waste in the ocean.” He further emphasized on the need to be more sustainable and ‘go green’. In 2015, the UN adopted the ambitious Sustainable Development Goals which included the goal of ensuring that our oceans are healthy and protected. SDG 14 aims to protect our oceans from further degradation and pollution, and to ensure that they continue to support current and future generations. It is to ensure that the ocean is healthy and productive, and that its ecosystems are healthy and resilient. Overfishing, pollution, and development have all taken a toll on the ocean’s health and ability to support life. Studies have shown that more than 80% of marine pollution originates on land and is caused by direct human impact. An estimated eight to fourteen million metric tons of plastic end up in our ocean each year, much of which originates from our waste streams and consumer habits. The majority of this plastic ends up in our oceans as a result of our littering and improper waste management practices, both of which are largely caused by human behavior. Keeping the oceans clean starts with each of us. The world’s oceans are the lungs of our planet, and healthy oceans support healthy people. This is why it is important to scale up both ocean action and ocean knowledge. Watch the video on the clean-up exercise by the UN Ghana.
Residents of the community, representing a large proportion of fisherfolk, were actively involved. They were sensitized on the essence of protecting our marines, oceans and seas. Speaking at the event, the UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Charles Abani said, “Life in the ocean is extremely important. If it dies, so do we. And so, it is really important that we work from community level, across governments, across society to ensure that we are not dumping waste in the ocean.” He further emphasized on the need to be more sustainable and ‘go green’. In 2015, the UN adopted the ambitious Sustainable Development Goals which included the goal of ensuring that our oceans are healthy and protected. SDG 14 aims to protect our oceans from further degradation and pollution, and to ensure that they continue to support current and future generations. It is to ensure that the ocean is healthy and productive, and that its ecosystems are healthy and resilient. Overfishing, pollution, and development have all taken a toll on the ocean’s health and ability to support life. Studies have shown that more than 80% of marine pollution originates on land and is caused by direct human impact. An estimated eight to fourteen million metric tons of plastic end up in our ocean each year, much of which originates from our waste streams and consumer habits. The majority of this plastic ends up in our oceans as a result of our littering and improper waste management practices, both of which are largely caused by human behavior. Keeping the oceans clean starts with each of us. The world’s oceans are the lungs of our planet, and healthy oceans support healthy people. This is why it is important to scale up both ocean action and ocean knowledge. Watch the video on the clean-up exercise by the UN Ghana.
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20 June 2022
World Refugee Day 2022 - A visit to the Blue Oasis, a year on
The Blue Oasis, a resource like no other. Located in the centre of the Greater Accra district, the Blue Oasis was established in June 2021 as a community centre for urban refugees under the urban program of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). It has an ICT centre, a library, training rooms, conference centre and board room. All of these have been set up to aid refugees in their work search and for their skills development, livelihood activities, information exchanges and recreation. The centre is only a year old and according to the Administrator, Ms. Araba Ghansah, it is providing great service to users. “The centre is like an event centre where refugees come to for programmes, leadership meetings, English and ICT proficiency programmes, capacity building and training programmes, such as hairdressing, sewing, catering and the likes.
Deborah Lawson, a 21-year-old Togolese who has lived as a refugee in Ghana for the past 12 years, is a frequent client of the Blue Oasis. She uses the centre’s remedial class services to improve upon her high school grades. “I find this centre very helpful because without it, I do not think I would have gotten any classes to attend. Thanks to the UNHCR, we have been given a second chance to further our education”.
Another useful resource available at the centre is career counseling service. “As students, when we get to a stage in our education, we need someone to guide us to select our career or what we would do in the future. Some people do not get that chance but at this place, we have a career counsellor who guides us on career choice selection for the future” says Deborah, as she beams.
World Refugee Day is observed annually on June 20 and is an opportunity to honor and celebrate the resilience and contributions of refugees around the globe. The day also requires for us to intensify our advocacy for the right of refugees everywhere.
According to the UNHCR 2021 Global Trends report, the number of people forced to flee their homes has increased every year over the past decade and stands at the highest level since records began. By the end of 2021, those displaced by war, violence, persecution, and human rights abuses stood at 89.3 million, up 8 per cent on a year earlier and well over double the figure of 10 years ago.
Presently, Ghana hosts refugees from over 30 countries with some 13,695, constituting population of concern according to the UNHCR Fact Sheet March/April 2022. One of them is Abdulrahman Baoud, a 20-year-old Sudanese refugee in Ghana since 2016.
Abdul arrived in Ghana with his sister. Although his sister left him in Ghana, Abdul remained. He said the support he received from the UNHCR and the Christian Council of Ghana (UNHCR’s Partner organization) sustained him. With the support he received, Abdul was able to further his education from the Junior High School to Senior High School, and currently in his second year. Talking about the Blue Oasis, he said, “I have come for classes which was organized by the centre. We are here for the core subjects which are Mathematics, Science and English.” In Abdul’s words, “if it had not been for the centre that organized classes for us, I would be at home by this time doing nothing.” Considering how beneficial the classes have been to him, Abdul expressed his wish for more electives and other core subjects to be added to the courses offered. “The centre also offers skills training such as driving, sewing, makeup artistry. Students also have the opportunity to exhibit their products when there are events here” Abdul added. In his concluding comments, Abdul said, “So many people were in the house doing nothing and relying on UNHCR to give them money because they did not have jobs to do. Through this Centre, many of these people have been trained and can now make a living without depending on the UNHCR financial support.”
On World Refugee Day, as we focus on the global refugee crisis and the importance of refugees’ access to asylum, we are reminded of the right of refugees to seek safety – whoever, whenever, wherever. Nevertheless, the issue of refugees ought to be recognized from these three perspectives. First, it is a cardinal principle of international law that nobody should be forcefully returned to where their lives would be in danger – instead they should be given access to asylum procedures to ensure they are safe. Secondly, the consideration of non-discrimination in relation to refugees is important so as not to push people back to where their lives would be in jeopardy. Finally, the socio-economic integration of refugees involves their recognition as resourceful and skillful individuals who are capable of contributing to the local economy and not passive recipients of aid.
UNHCR works closely with the government of Ghana, principally the Ghana Refugee Board, in ensuring that refugees are able to enjoy their rights and access assistance and services. The Blue Oasis Community Center is a deliberate initiative to reach out to urban-based refugees who are scattered across vast areas, to ensure they are also assisted and informed about their rights and responsibilities. “Often you think of refugees as people who may not have skills or may not have education but that’s not the case. We have some highly educated refugees here and some with good technical skills” says Andrew Ginsberg, UNHCR Ghana’s Senior Durable Solutions Officer. Andrew notes that “we need to help these refuges support themselves, integrate economically into the economy of Ghana. So, one thing we are trying to do is trying to help them get internships, get jobs and also in some cases, complementary pathways, which is a type of immigration to third countries where that country requires specific skills.”
With the support received from its partners, UNHCR is keen to make the Oasis stand the test of time in the years to come. With only a year old, the Blue Oasis has become a household name amongst the refugee community and their hosts. The UNHCR Country Representative, Ms. Esther Kiragu says, “through the center, together with our urban implementing partner, the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG), we will continue with the proactive outreach to as many partners as possible, both traditional and the private sector, to enhance the socio-economic integration of refugees in urban areas. It is important that they are meaningfully engaged so that they are not only able to cater for their own needs while in asylum, but that they can contribute to nation-building when they are able to return back to their home Countries in safety and dignity. This will ease their reintegration back home and make peace more durable.”.
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26 May 2022
One-on-One with Head of Museum of Science and Technology in observance of International Museums Day
Solutions to today's global concerns, such as climate change and youth unemployment, require a multi-sectoral approach. Leveraging on scientific knowledge for its work in the areas of education, science, culture and communication, the work of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has become ever more important.
“You will agree with me that the basis of everything we do, is science” says Mrs. Akosua Buckman, Head of the Museum of Science and Technology, located in Accra. “Science facilitates discovery, knowledge acquisition, and problem-solving.” She added, confirming the usefulness to properly collect, preserve and conserve scientific discoveries in museums for future references.
The Museum in Accra is hosting an exhibition titled “Back to the Science Museum”. Sectioned into four themes, communication, wildlife, humans, and transportation, the exhibition consists of collections dating as far back as 1960s. This will offer the opportunity for visitors to learn about science and appreciate its value and worth in our daily lives. According to Mrs. Buckman, “science literacy is not evenly distributed throughout society, as a result, the Museum of Science and Technology is a place where anyone can come in and learn about science”. She expressed concern about the lack of scientific apparatus needed to teach science successfully in public schools. Consequently, results from analysis from the ongoing exhibition will inform the Museum’s approach to reach out to young people with the aim of bridging the gap between theory and practice.
As the first female Director of the Museum of Science and Technology, Mrs. Buckman said a lot is expected of her, but she embraces every challenge and will work towards delivering effective and efficient service. She expressed heartfelt congratulations to all women, both international and domestic, who have and continue to be trailblazers in various fields.
She said the Museum is looking forward to collaborating with STEM groups, both foreign and local, to achieve a collective goal. Science and technology museums are places where science concepts are demonstrated, and people can see how science concepts are applied. This collective effort would give birth to the dream of evoking interest in science and technology among young people as well as teaching how to understand everyday life through science.
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25 May 2022
Trade Experts Meet in Accra to Find Bold Solutions for Resilience and Recovery
Small businesses are the engine that drives the global economy. They create jobs, drive innovation, and support socio-economic development. As the COVID-19 pandemic made the world’s economy shudder, small businesses remained the backbone for recovery and sustainability. With this realization, trade promotion organizations around the world are called upon to support these businesses to survive and be more sustainable, competitive and bold to meet the economic and development challenges of our time.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2022 World Trade Promotion Organization (WTPO) Conference in Accra, Ghana’s Minister for Trade and Industry, Hon. Alan Kyerematen stated that “the need for trade promotion organizations worldwide to effectively support MSMEs to address the challenges of a post-COVID economy is now a development imperative.” He added that “if the world is to benefit from its numerous advantages, trade must be placed at the centre of our development agenda.” The Minister advocated for an aggressive effort to pursue initiatives that mainstream trade in national development plans.
The 13th WTPO Conference and Awards was hosted by Ghana, under the leadership of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), in partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC), the joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization.
The event brought together leading trade professionals, experts and governments from 57 countries to celebrate the achievements of their peers, learn from the best practices of other nations, and support the next generation of leaders. This year, the conference was on the theme “Bold solutions for resilience and recovery.”
The event featured insights into the current state of global trade. Managing risk, sustainable trade and business opportunities with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) were the focus of three major plenary sessions. The second day focused on “humanizing work” and sharing tools and best practices for trade promotion leaders to take action in their organizations. Side events included a workshop on national export strategy before the conference, and the annual meeting of the Economic Community of West African States just after the conference.
The event was also an occasion to recognize best practices and exemplary performance of trade promotion organizations with global awards. As the previous winners – Procomer of Costa Rica, Enterprise Georgia and Business Sweden – could not receive their trophies due to the pandemic, they received them in Accra.
The 2022 winners were unveiled in an evening ceremony. Zimtrade (Zimbabwe) received the award for sustainable and inclusive development; Matrade (Malaysia) won for information technology; and Jampro (Jamaica) won for partnerships.
The conference also served to highlight support to businesses through two Memoranda of Understanding, one for African countries and one for Ghana. In the first, ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton signed an MOU with Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat. This partnership brings ITC expertise to the service of the AfCFTA, as part of its strategy for the private sector to access market opportunities across the continent.
The second MOU launched the Netherlands Trust Fund V Ghana project to boost Ghana’s tech and agribusiness sectors, with an accent on small business. The project launch was signed by the ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton; CEO of GEPA, Afua Asabea Asare; and the Director of International Programmes of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, Tjerk Opmeer. This project will support young farmers to increase their output using innovative solutions and the integration of technology.
The world economy continues to face numerous global and local challenges. As the world is recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, the geo-political conflict between Russia and Ukraine are further evidently putting a strain on economies around the world. “The global response to adversities between Russia and Ukraine has brought about profound uncertainties in an already uncertain world”, said Dr. Asabea Asare, Chief Executive Officer of GEPA. To ensure that businesses and economies can thrive and grow, governments and businesses need to find new and innovative ways to connect, communicate, and collaborate.
“Trade promotion organizations can make all the difference,” said Pamela Coke-Hamilton, ITC Executive Director. “They must help businesses to mitigate risks and embrace opportunities of a green transition. They must help women, youth and vulnerable groups join global value chains, and overcome systemic barriers that keep them from developing their businesses for export.”
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11 May 2022
5th International Conference on the Use of Space Technology for Water Resource Management Opens in Accra
“Water related issues remain at the forefront of inequality, poverty and health challenges globally. The implications of unequal access to water and sanitation resources have also strongly manifested themselves during the pandemic. It exposed the vulnerabilities of communities living in more distressed areas, further exacerbating existing gaps and hardships. It is symbolic that the conference is taking place in Sub-Saharan Africa where the needs are dire.”- Niklas Hedman, Acting Director, United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) made these remarks at the 5TH International Conference on the use of Space Technology for Water Resource Management (ISTA-WRM) taking place in Accra.
Space technology is playing a growing role in water resource management. From monitoring floods to assessing drought risks, satellite data has become an indispensable tool for meteorologists, hydrologists, and water managers. The 5TH ISTA-WRM is co-jointly organized by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), the Government of Ghana, and the Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water (PSIPW). The 4-day conference is to promote the use of space technology in water management to the benefit of developing countries. It is being hosted by the University of Energy and Natural Resources UENR) on behalf of the Government of Ghana.
In his welcome remarks at the high-level opening of the conference, Professor Elvis Asare-Bediako, Vice Chancellor at the UENR, cautioned that the degeneration of our water bodies through human activities such as illegal mining is detrimental to our livelihoods and the lives of our industries. He expressed the urgency to sustainably manage our water resources.
H.E. Ramses Joseph Cleland, Acting Chief Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration noted, “with less than a decade to achieve the SDGs, Ghana is pleased to contribute to ambitious global efforts such as hosting this conference, where governments, civil societies, and businesses convene to deliberate and determine how best to forge partnerships and blueprints towards the implementation of these goals.” Stating further, he said, “today, I can confidently say that great progress has been made in the pursuit of our goals, particularly, SDGs 6 and 17 through the use of space science and technology.”
The Minister of Education, Hon. Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum said there is the need to improve Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education to encourage more youth to be involved in science and technology. This, he believes, would encourage more African youth to contribute actively to the promotion of space technology, stating that “the time for Africans to be observers is over.”
The 5th ISTA-WRM aims to promote the application of space technology in water management to help developing countries, in particular those in Sub-Saharan Africa, to harness space-based solutions to address their water-related needs. Experts and practitioners from academia, government, and industry will share cutting-edge space-based solutions for water resources management.
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Press Release
18 July 2022
Japan and UNIDO to Promote Kaizen Practices to Foster the Development of Ghanaian MSMEs in Sustainable AgriBusiness
Ghana has disseminated Kaizen – a Japanese methodology and philosophy for continuous quality and productivity improvement at the shop floor over the last decade. As such, hundreds of Ghanaian enterprises have introduced and still apply Kaizen practices, which helped them improve their performance. Still, to achieve a bigger national impact, the approach needs to be upgraded to sustainably improve the enterprises’ competitiveness.
Accordingly, with funding from the government of Japan and in coordination with the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), UNIDO will implement its “Expanding the Kaizen initiative by enhancing sustainable agribusiness” project that, through the Organization’s digital dashboard system, will adress inter alia the economic performance, the resource efficiency, the environmental sustainability, and the social welfare of MSMEs.
Ultimately, the 3-year project will support Ghana in scaling up its national Kaizen initiative, and by extension enhance the performance of Ghanaian MSMEs.
The project will introduce “Smart and Sustainable Agri-Business (SSAB)” – an approach that collects key performance indicators to visualize the enterprises’ performance, also related to productivity, resource efficiency, food security/compliance and social welfare.
A pre-launch event was attended by Hisanobu Mochizuki, Japanese Ambassador to Ghana , Fakhruddin Azizi, UNIDO Representative to Ghana and Liberia and Charles Abani UN Resident Coordinator.
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Press Release
24 May 2022
Four peacekeepers from Ghana to be honoured posthumously at United Nations Peacekeepers Day ceremony
Among the peacekeepers to be honoured posthumously during the ceremony in UN Headquarters are four from Ghana: SGT Mansfield Sekyere who served with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL); Messrs. Francis Assuah Kwajan and Alphonsus Bieturu who served in civilian capacities with the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA); and Mr. Victor Akwasi Osei-Akyempong who served in a civilian capacity in the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO).
In Ghana, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, in collaboration with the UN in Ghana and the National Security Agencies, will lead the national commemorative ceremony in Accra in honour of Ghanaian peacekeepers, both active and retired. Wreaths will be laid in memory of those who have lost their lives serving for peace. The ceremony will take place at the forecourt of the Ministry.
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Press Release
13 May 2022
Global conference in Accra: Making the shift to sustainable trade
The 2022 World Trade Promotion Conference (WTPO) will be hosted by the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) and the International Trade Centre (ITC), a development agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization that connects small business to global markets. It brings together 200 leaders of national trade promotion organizations from around the world.
In a press release issued today, the Executive Director of ITC, Pamela Coke-Hamilton, said "Good trade can drive socio-economic recovery that is inclusive and sustainable", adding that "Trade promotion organizations can make all the difference in helping companies achieve good trade. They must help businesses to mitigate risks and embrace opportunities of a green transition. They must help women, youth and vulnerable groups join global value chains, and overcome systemic barriers that keep them from developing their businesses for export."
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Press Release
04 May 2022
14 national trade promotion organizations shortlisted for the 2022 World Trade Promotion Organization Awards to be held in Accra
The organizations are competing in three categories: best use of a partnership; best use of information technology; and best initiative to ensure that trade is inclusive and sustainable. The winners will be announced at the 13th WTPO Conference in Accra, Ghana on 17 May.
The WTPO Awards are open to all national trade promotion organizations. They recognize excellence in providing trade support to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to become competitive in international markets.
The Awards jury is comprised of national trade promotion leaders from the previous award winners and is chaired by ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton.
“At a time when small firms have been hit hard by supply chain disruptions, climate change crises and other socio-economic challenges, it is important to share inspiring models that connect small firms to trade opportunities that are inclusive and sustainable,” said Ms. Coke-Hamilton. “The initiatives of these national trade promotion organizations point the way.” Read more.
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Press Release
20 April 2022
The Return Mission: Ghana to host a high-level delegation to advance equity for People of African Descent
Centred on the theme, "People of African Descent: Accelerating the Commitment for Recognition, Advancement of Rights, Justice and Development" the meeting is aimed at promoting dialogue and advocacy on thematic areas that would enhance inclusion and the wellbeing of People of African Descent. The forum which will be held on Friday, 22nd April 2022 precedes this year’s International Day for People of African Descent which will be observed on 31st August 2022.
The inaugural celebration of International Day for People of African Descent was hosted by the Government of Costa Rica in San Jose in August 2021. This followed a resolution adopted by the United Nations based on a proposal by Costa Rica to observe the day in recognition of the history, legacy and contributions of the African diaspora worldwide.
UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres described the day as "a celebration of the enormous contributions of people of African descent to every field of human endeavour," and "a long overdue recognition of the profound injustices and systemic discrimination that people of African descent have endured for centuries and continue to confront today."
The historic relationship Ghana shares with the African diaspora is significant, considering its central involvement in the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. This history, coupled with the recent ‘Year of Return’ and ‘Beyond the Return’ initiative by the Government of Ghana has positioned Ghana as a vital entry-point for Africans in the diaspora.
Visiting historic and cultural sites
To provide an experience of touristic sites that are indispensable to the history of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, the delegation will visit the Elmina Castle, Assin Manso Slave Market and Slave River Park.
Dr Natalia Kanem, UNFPA’s Executive Director is the UN Secretary-General's Champion to further the agenda of people of African heritage. While in Ghana, she is also expected to engage with traditional leaders by paying a courtesy call to the King of Akwamu, His Royal Majesty Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III.
Highlights of the upcoming events scheduled between 19th and 23rd April 2022 include: A High-level Forum on People of African Descent; a courtesy call to the President and the Vice-President of the Republic of Ghana and field visit to assess Nana Afrakuma II’s Vocational Institute for Adolescent Mothers in Akwamu.
For more information, contact: Doris Mawuse Aglobitse : (aglobitse@unfpa.org; +233(0) 202424666
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