United Nations 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:

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Publication

31 August 2022

UNCT Results Report 2021 - Ghana

2021 marked a year of rising above our challenges and making significant headway through a coordinated and collaborative approach. The COVID-19 pandemic continued to take centre stage. Despite that, together with the Government of Ghana, the UN resolutely supported its ambitious development plan to be on track with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) commitments.

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Publication

22 August 2022

Looking back to accelerate forward to achieve the SDGs – lessons from Ghana’s Second Voluntary National Review

The big question is how is our work going to support Ghana’s transformation in such a way that the successes achieved today benefit all Ghanaians without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs? The Agenda 2030 and its 17 goals, the yardstick by which development progress is measured, gives us reason to pursue harder the goal of achieving our development agenda. Measuring progress through regular and inclusive reviews in preparation for the Voluntary National review (VNR) also offers a chance to evaluate, assess and recalibrate. Held annually in New York during the annual session of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, the Voluntary National Review provides an opportunity for countries to share their experiences implementing the SDGs. It also seeks to strengthen Government’s policies and institutions and to mobilise multi-stakeholder support and partnership for SDGs implementation. In July this year, 45 countries, including Ghana, presented its VNR in New York. Led by the National Development Planning Commission, Ghana’s VNR preparation was consultative and participatory, involving Government of Ghana Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Civil Society Organizations (including representation of youth, women, children and persons living with disabilities), the private sector, UN Agencies and a host of development partners. The UN in Ghana actively supported the 2022 VNR process through technical, coordination and financial assistance. The UN further accompanied Ghana to the HLPF to give support to its VNR Lab held on the side of the HLPF to facilitate experience sharing from the 2022 VNR process and deliberate on opportunities in terms of mobilizing resources and fostering partnerships to accelerate implementation of the SDGs as well as showcase how Voluntary Local Reviews have been used in the VNR processes. The review shows that Ghana has made some gains since its last report in 2019 as shown during a virtual exhibition supported by the UN in Ghana. For instance, there has been an increased registration level of school enrolment in kindergarten, primary, and secondary schools resulting in over 80 percent enrolment and gender parity achieved. The population participating in formal and informal education, and training has gone up. There has also been improved outcomes in tackling maternal mortality; obesity among children; women’s participation in parliament and local government; access to improved drinking water services and electricity; illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing; financial inclusion; and proportion of unsentenced detainees. Like many other countries, progress of SDG implementation has been mixed. These have been driven by COVID-19 impacts as well as global conflicts, which are estimated to cause a rise or fall back in poverty of some 25 percent of Ghanaian populace. This is coupled with the current low coverage of social protection, generally high food inflation, high unemployment rate among PWDs and youth, as well as disparities in access to basic services such as health, sanitation and nutrition. Improvement in the macroeconomic environment recorded in the 2019 report has been derailed as a result of the pandemic, and we have seen the single-digit inflation grow into double digit leading to an upward trend in interest rates and the budget deficit. The highlights of the report call for the need for Ghana to restore and transform its economy to create opportunities for all, especially young people; broaden social protection coverage for vulnerable groups, including persons with disability, to enhance social inclusion; strengthen innovative financing and resource mobilization through expanded multistakeholder partnerships and an integrated national financing framework as well as harnessing emerging opportunities such as the Africa Continental Free Trade Area. In addition, Ghana will need to address infrastructure deficits in key sectors such as health, education, and sanitation services; deepen the national digitalization drive; and mitigate the impacts of climate change and variability for green growth. The findings of this 2022 VNR clearly demonstrate the need to redouble efforts in order to bring about critical socio-economic transformations and fulfill the transformative promise of the SDGs to “leave no one behind”. Reviewing and reflecting on the SDGs implementation, consulting various groups, stakeholders, and partners in the process, present a window of opportunity for further inclusive engagement and investment to build forward better towards achieving self-reliance and the SDGs. We commend the Government and people of Ghana for their resolve to pursue a forward-looking approach to implement and attain the SDGs, despite the many global challenges engulfing every aspect of our development efforts. The UN is committed to supporting the Government of Ghana and other stakeholders in taking forward the recommendations and embedding the key learnings and opportunities arising from the 2022 VNR in our next United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). The UNSDCF will reflects the Government’s expectations of the UN and drive the UN Country Team’s joint response and contributions to national development priorities and SDGs, as well as strengthen and expand multistakeholder partnerships critical to achieving the SDGs. Our collective vision is to see a Ghana that is independent, self-reliant, and resilient where all Ghanaians have equal access to basic services, their rights are protected, and they enjoy a stake in the country’s prosperity and growth. Ghana’s second VNR presentation is an indication of the country’s preparedness to accelerate SDGs implementation. Now is the time for Ghana to ‘lead from the front’ through firm commitment and resources to implement the emerging recommendations from the consultative process. The entire United Nations system in Ghana reaffirms its commitment to continue to support efforts towards achieving the SDGs, leaving no one behind and a Ghana Beyond Aid, where the present generation will benefit just as much as the future generation.

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Story

13 January 2023

Raising standards in Ghanaian Prisons: UNODC and US Embassy donate 500 mattresses to facilities across the country

“All prisoners shall be treated with respect due to their inherent dignity and value as human beings.” This principle is embedded in the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners. These rules – also known as the Nelson Mandela Rules – provide the blueprint for good, rights-respecting prison management for all of the United Nations’ Member States. As well as preserving humanity on both sides of the bars, the Rules provide a foundation for prisons to better rehabilitate prisoners, making all of us safer. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) serves as the custodian of the Nelson Mandela Rules and other international standards and norms in the field of prison reform and is helping Member States to put the Rules into practice on national level. The Nelson Mandela Rules in Ghana With the generous funding of the U.S. Government, UNODC and the Ghana Prisons Service are currently implementing a three-year project aimed at strengthening the prison administration’s capacity to comply with the Rules. One of the first key interventions undertaken in 2023 as part of the project has been to donate 500 mattresses to the Ghana Prisons Service, which have been distributed to prisoners in Nsawam, Sunyani, Ankaful and Kumasi. The event was attended by the Chief of the Political Section of the US Embassy, Mr. Christopher J. Gunning, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Interior Mrs. Adelaide Anno-Kumi, the Director General of Prisons Mr. Isaac Kofi Egyir, UNODC officials and prison officers of the Ghana Prisons Service. Why mattresses? The Nelson Mandela Rules outline that “Every prisoner shall, in accordance with local or national standards, be provided with a separate bed and with separate and sufficient bedding which shall be clean when issued, kept in good order and changed often enough to ensure its cleanliness.” More to be done During the handing over ceremony, UNODC Project Coordinator Mr. Andres Bascones, explained that the donation is the first of several events; additional procurement, infrastructure support and capacity building to the Ghana Prisons Service will be provided during the year. He stressed, however, that the support offered by UNODC will remain a drop in the bucket without the support of other actors and urged the government, other international agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), private companies and individuals to continue and upscale their support to the prisons of Ghana, as safe, secure and humane prisons in line with human rights can only be achieved through a joint effort. Government and community must work hand in hand to facilitate the rehabilitation of offenders, with knock-on benefits for the safety of society as a whole. The Chief of the Political Section of the US Embassy, Mr. Christopher Gunning congratulated the Ghanaian Government for its current work on a draft for a Community Service Bill, which he deems as an important step towards introducing efficient alternatives to imprisonment in line with international standards and norms and best practices. Equally addressing legal reforms, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Interior Mrs. Adelaide Anno-Kumi, thanked UNODC for its assistance in drafting a new Prisons Service Bill, which is currently being reviewed by the respective ministry. With thanks to our donors, the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs and the U.S. Department of State. Find out more Find out about UNODC’s wider work on prison and penal reform And UNODC’s work on the Nelson Mandela Rules Download UNODC’s free resources on prison management, including the Nelson Mandela Rules

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12 January 2023

Ghanaian broadcast journalist and child and youth rights advocate receives UN RAF certificate

“As a young journalist, the fellowship [Reham Al-Farra Memorial Journalism fellowship] has helped me a lot, especially in my area of expertise, (media advocacy for children and youth rights and responsibilities). The programme helps you know the right places to get information and inform people about the good works of the UN”, Mavis noted. Mavis Naa Korley Aryee is a 26-year-old Ghanaian broadcast journalist and youth and child rights advocate. She is one of twenty-two participants of the 2022 Reham Al-Farra Memorial Journalism fellowship programme (UN RAF). She hails from Teshie, Accra and is very thrilled to have participated in the UN RAF prgramme held virtually at the UN 77th General Assembly from 12 - 30 September, 2022. “The fellowship has exposed me to a lot about the United Nations because we interacted with directors of different departments and agencies on critical issues such as climate change, UN disarmament, peacekeeping, and human rights” she stated when she visited the United Nations Information Centre in Accra to receive her certificate of participation. The UN RAF programme is an annual training program for journalists all over the world to get all the hands-on information to help comprehend better the efforts of the UN on global issues including human rights, disarmament, disinformation, global health, climate change, and refugee concerns. Resolution 35/201 of the UN General Assembly established the Reham Al-Farra Memorial Journalism Fellowship in December 1980. Formally known as the DPI Training Programme for Broadcasters and Journalists from Developing Countries, the programme was renamed in 2003 in memory of Reham Al-Farra, a 29-year-old Jordanian public information officer who died in the bombing of the UN building in Baghdad on August 19, 2003. Due to the COVID-19 protocols and travel restrictions, the RAF Fellowship went virtual for the second time in 2022. Participants came from Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, Argentina, Sri Lanka, Belarus, Cameroon, Ghana, Zimbabwe, South Sudan, Chile, Ecuador, India, Moldova, Jordan, Algeria, Afghanistan, Malawi, Nigeria, Brazil, Yemen, Azerbaijan, and Panama. The fellows created 50 news pieces for the program in eight different languages based on their areas of interest and expertise. On the final days, the fellows gave presentations of their work and discussed their future plans motivated by the fellowship, which included covering the Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa and the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 27) in Egypt in 2022. The RAF fellowship, however, is hopeful that the 2023 program would be held in person at the UN headquarters in New York once more. As a UN RAF Cohort, Mavis will use her platform to promote better understanding of the UN in Ghana.

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12 January 2023

UN Ghana joins partners to launch 16-Days of Activism against GBV

United Nations in Ghana, in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MGCSP), and other partners held a street march to launch this year's 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, sending a strong and concerted message to take action against gender-based violence (GBV). The MGCSP Minister, Hon. Zuweira Lariba Abudu, bemoaned the increasing number of violence women and girls and called on all to take action against GBV. She said in the quest to increase awareness and end GBV, the Ministry is reviewing the gender domestic violence Act 732, 2007 and work towards getting the Affirmative Action Bill passed. The UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Charles Abani said, activism is passion and commitment and thus it is an opportunity for all to ensure that women’s and girls’ voices are heard. He said violence against women and girls is the most overlooked human right violation, and it rocks many of their dignity, well-being, and right to protection. Mr. Abani reaffirmed the UN's continuous commitment and support to the Ministry in the fight. H. E Javier Gutierrez, Ambassador of Spain to Ghana took the opportunity to commend the government of Ghana and the UN in Ghana for their role in the fight against gender-based violence. “Spain will contribute 100 million Euros for the next three years to support organizations and the promotion of gender issues in Ghana” he noted. There were other solidarity messages that invariably resonate with the advocacy against gender-based violence. They include messages from the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU), OXFAM Ghana, Australian High Commissioner to Ghana, Ms. Berenice Owen-Jones, a renowned musician and a campaigner against gender-based violence, Okyeame Kwame. Participating in the walk were the UN family in Ghana, members of the diplomatic corps, market women, and other partners. An awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on 6 December to recognize individuals and organisations who continuously help in diverse ways in the fight against GBV and harmful cultural practices in Ghana. It is organised by the MGCSP.

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28 October 2022

77th UN Day marked in Ghana

The commemoration of UN Day in Ghana is an annual tradition, marked with a number of activities including media engagement, Model UN, symposium and a flag-raising ceremony, led by the Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Regional Integration, Ghana. The 77th UN Day flag-raising ceremony took place on the forecourt of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra, representing the strong relationship between Ghana and the UN. In attendance were members of the diplomatic corps, Heads of the national security services, students, Heads of UN agencies and staff of the Ministry and of the UN and relevant stakeholders. In his statement, the UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Charles Abani echoed that “all three ingredients - Solidarity, Sustainability and Science - are essential as we address shared challenges and develop solutions for a better, more peaceful future.” The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to work together with the UN in Ghana, other development partners and stakeholders “to build a peaceful and safe world, where everyone lives a dignified, peaceful and prosperous life.” This year’s national theme is “Building on the 3Ss - Solidarity, Sustainability and Science – towards a more resilient Ghana” coined from the 77th Session of the UN General Assembly’s slogan of “Solidarity, Sustainability, and Science”. Earlier on 22 October, a good number of UN staff and colleagues from the Ministry turned out for a health walk organized to mark the start of the UN week. The walk was led by Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Prisons Service, Ghana Immigration Service and Ghana Police Service. The 2-hour walk was climaxed with aerobics to keep all participants fit. A model United Nations was also organized by Life-link Friendship Schools, a local organization. The conference, held annually, seeks to empower young people while enhancing their negotiation and presentation skills. The participants deliberated on issues affecting their countries and explored lasting solutions to global crises. The Head of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), Ms. Ifeoma Esther Charlse-Monwuba, and a Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Mrs. Joyce Asamoah-Koranteng addressed the conference participants at the opening session. In her address, Ms. Charlse-Monwuba Ifeoma urged them to keep soaring higher and view the simulation exercise as a stepping stone to reaching higher heights.

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Press Release

20 January 2023

UN and partners to tour schools to interact and engage learners and school management in observance of International Day of Education

The team will visit a minimum of four schools to interact with the students, teachers and the school management. The objectives are to remind authorities in the sector of their commitment to ensure the achievement of SDG – 4; provide a platform for learners and young people to advocate and suggest practical ways to advance the right to education; and engage communities to advocate for change leaders and mobilize citizenry to support and advance children’s education. Similar events will be organized at selected regional and district levels.

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Press Release

28 December 2022

UNFPA Representative presents credentials to the Minister of Foreign Affairs

During the meeting, Hon. Minister Shirley Botchwey congratulated Dr. Ochan on his appointment and assuming duties in the Republic of Ghana. She welcomed him to the country and assured him of the Government’s commitment to continue collaborating with UNFPA to realise sexual and reproductive health for all. She stated that ‘the Government of Ghana is interested in tackling issues of adolescent pregnancy, maternal mortality and youth empowerment and thus, the Ministry will be committed to supporting the work of UNFPA in Ghana’. Dr. Ochan appreciated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration for its recent assistance in the approval of UNFPA 8th Country Programme (2023–2027), support with the ICPD+25 review processes and the on-going tracking systems with the NDPC. He appreciated the strong support provided by the Ministry to UNFPA in Ghana; and in facilitating participation of Ghanaian delegates to international and regional fora organised by UNFPA. Dr. Ochan noted that UNFPA will continue to invest in promoting the wellbeing of the Ghanaian population through the approved 8th Country Programme. He also extended warm greetings from the UNFPA Executive Director, Dr. Natalia Kanem to the people of Ghana through the Minister. He continued, ‘The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has been very helpful to us. We pledge to continue doing our best to achieve zero maternal deaths, zero unmet need for family planning and zero sexual and gender-based violence and harmful practices in Ghana with your support.’ He observed the need to deepen work in these areas by working with government entities, private sector, faith-based and cultural institutions, and women-and youth-led organisations. He also highlighted opportunities for South-South and Triangular Cooperation.

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Press Release

22 December 2022

United Nations Network on Migration, EU and Government of Ghana Mark International Migrants Day with First Diaspora Dialogue

Over 250 representatives from government, UN entities, EU, Ghanaian diaspora, and the private sector gathered, in-person and online, to explore innovative solutions to improve responses to challenges Ghanaian Diaspora encounter in their efforts to contribute to Ghana’s socio-economic development, including investment and job creation. “While the diaspora is already making important contributions to the development of the country, this Dialogue is crucial to explore further which measures need to be put in place to allow the Diaspora to support the country in its economic recovery post-COVID-19, and especially against the reality of the current global crisis,” said Akwasi Awua Ababio, Director, Diaspora Affairs Office, Office of the President. With December attracting hundreds of Ghanaians from the Diaspora to return home, the Diaspora Dialogue complements the Government’s ‘Beyond the Return’ initiative, which aims to acknowledge and enhance diaspora contribution to Ghana’s socio-economic development after the country saw a considerable number of Ghanaian and African diaspora coming to Ghana in 2019. Head of Governance and Security at the EU Delegation to Ghana, Anna Lixi, said that the “Diaspora is a unique and often overlooked driver of investment and growth. The EU actively supports unlocking the potential vested in diaspora and migrant communities more generally, including through the EU-UN Building Migration Partnerships Programme.” During the Dialogue, participants discussed how the diaspora could be empowered to contribute to the socio-economic development and creation of green jobs in Ghana. Representatives from the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Diaspora community, UNNM, including UNDP, UNCDF and IOM, Diaspora Affairs Office (DAO), identified gaps and recommendations that will serve as a basis for subsequent action by relevant stakeholders, including the UN. Key recommendations included enhancing quality of data, expediating the fomal adoption of the draft diaspora policy and, enhancing coordination among various government agecnies. “The 2030 Agenda includes a pledge to ‘leave no one behind’, and to endeavour to reach the furthest behind as we deliver. Addressing migration and migrants issues will contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals,” said Charles Abani, UN Resident Coordinator in Ghana. “Enhancing migration governance through the implementation of the Global Compact for Migration will be essential. Ghana’s unique approach to involving the Diaspora will allow the country to build back better,” he added. The Diaspora Dialogue is part of a wider effort to make migration work for the benefit of all – in line with the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM). Ghana was among the first champion countries that volunteered to increase advocacy and ownership on the GCM. The UN Network in Ghana, established in 2020, provides a space to advance planning around GCM implementation, monitoring and review. The Diaspora Dialogue was made possible with the support of the European Union funded project “EU-UN Building Migration Partnerships Programme” implemented by the UN Network in Ghana.

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Press Release

13 December 2022

Ghana: Toxics exposure violating human rights, urgent action needed, says UN expert

“Ghana should be commended for its leadership at the international level in strengthening multilateral agreements in the chemicals and waste cluster, and it is also leading the African Group in negotiations toward a legally binding agreement on plastic pollution,” the Special Rapporteur on toxics and human rights, Marcos Orellana, said in a statement at the conclusion of a 14-day visit to the country “At the same time, there is weak implementation of laws concerning chemicals and wastes at the national level. This puts individuals at risk of serious human rights violations,” the Special Rapporteur said. The toxic impacts of mercury use in small-scale gold mining, hazardous pesticides, plastics and e-waste exposures are particularly concerning, Orellana said. “Ghana is on the receiving end of a global economy that seeks to externalise the costs of waste generation on poor developing countries. The result is exposure of workers lacking protective equipment to the hazardous substances released in the dismantling and recycling of e-wastes.” At Agbogbloshie, one the world’s largest e-waste dumpsites, thousands of people living and working there are exposed to high levels of hazardous substances. “For a meagre income, children are leaving their schools to burn electronic cables for the extraction of copper,” Orellana said. “Mercury use in small-scale mining is contaminating soils and water sources at a national scale, compromising the rights of present and future generations.” The expert said the Government’s National Action Plan on mercury is an important step but is not ambitious enough and does not include a phase-out date for mercury use. “The Government should ban the trade and use in mercury, champion amendments to strengthen the Minamata Convention on mercury, and address mercury use as a form of environmental crime,” Orellana said. Plastic waste also is not properly managed. Plastics are covering beaches and burning in informal dumpsites all over the country. The National Plastic Waste Management Policy is important but effective implementation is lacking, he said. “For instance, Ghana should consider banning single-use plastics, reducing volumes of production and establishing extended producer responsibility schemes.”. Several of the pesticides used in Ghana, such as paraquat and chlorpyrifos, are banned for use in Europe because they are hazardous to human health and the environment. “It is also alarming that one of the most widely used pesticides in the country is glyphosate, which is ‘probably carcinogenic to humans’, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer,” he said. “I want to highlight the abhorrent double standards of countries that ban dangerous pesticides while allowing them to be produced and exported to developing countries. But Ghana also has a responsibility to protect the human rights of its population.” Orellana said the adoption of the 2021 to 2030 Strategic Plan for the sound management of chemicals and waste was cause for optimism and can help strengthen institutions and norms. Similarly, Ghana can build on its successful experience in addressing PCBs, per requirements of the Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants. “Ghana must take further steps to strengthen its legal framework and improve implementation and enforcement to guarantee the right to live in a clean, healthy and sustainable environment,” he said. The Special Rapporteur will present a report with his findings and recommendations to the Human Rights Council in September 2023.

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