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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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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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.

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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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25 April 2022

Training to enhance experts’ capacities and capabilities to manage, investigate, and negotiate offences of kidnap for ramson underway in Accra

In recent years, there has been a growing concern of Member States representatives and counter-terrorism officials over the limited capacities of several countries, especially fragile and conflict-affected States, to enable their respective criminal justice, law enforcement institutions and security services to effectively prevent, manage and investigate kidnap cases using modern, proven methods, technologies and techniques. Responding to these concerns, the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) launched the United Nations Manual of Guidance for Countering Kidnapping and Extortion in 2021 to contribute to the multilateral efforts to have a more secure and prosperous world safe from terrorism. In this same light, the UNOCT in collaboration with the National Crime Agency of the United Kingdom (NCA) and the Federal Office of Police, Switzerland (Swiss FedPol) has launched a three-week training session to train thirty-five participants from Ghana, Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, Benin and Togo on counter kidnap under the Kidnap for Ransom Project (KFR) at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC). The training is being delivered by expert trainers from the NCA and Swiss FedPol through a collection of coordinated courses. In attendance are lead investigators, judicial police negotiators, experts from the NCA, United Kingdom, and Federal Police, Switzerland. The British High Commissioner to Ghana, Harriet Thompson said: “Kidnap for ransom causes untold misery and has a life-changing impact on victims and their families. Through this new training, the UK is proud to work and learn alongside our partners both here in Ghana and across West Africa to truly stamp out this dreadful crime.” The Head of the UK National Crime Agency’s anti-kidnap and extortion unit, Mr. John Coles said: “We are very proud to bring our expertise to the UN’s updated manual and provide training to international partners. This forms part of the UK government’s long-term investment in the region.” In his opening remarks, Mr. Tim Segessemann, Attache, Embassy of Switzerland in Ghana noted, “We are all too well aware that political fragility and armed conflicts in the region are on the rise. It is no news, either, that the presence of armed groups, and their links to international terrorism, presents a threat also to the coastal states of West Africa.” Speaking to the media, a Senior Officer of the UK National Crime Agency’s anti-kidnap and extortion unit, Mr. John Branney noted that this is a learning session for all participants and trainers as well. He said this training will equip participants with the skills and knowledge to effectively handle issues of kidnapping related and security issues in the sub-region. The expected outcomes of these training sessions are to build the capacities of Member States to prevent, investigate and negotiate offences of kidnap for ransom through legal institutional and operational technical assistance. Additionally, it aims at raising awareness of ways to support victims of kidnapping and making the voices of victims heard.

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20 April 2022

Vice President of Costa Rica and the UN Under Secretary-General’s Champion of People of African Descent Agenda Arrive in Ghana

The UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Dr. Natalia Kanem and the Vice President of Costa Rica, H.E Epsy Campbell Barr have arrived in Ghana for a high-level forum on advancing the right of People of African Descent ahead of this year’s International Day for People of Africa Descent. Their visit to Ghana, termed The Return Mission, is a global representation of the significance of advancing equity for, and enhancing inclusion and the wellbeing of People of African Descent. In a media briefing on arrival, Dr. Natalia Kanem who is the UN Secretary-General's Champion to further the agenda of people of African heritage, said the forum will unearth the beauty of the linkages between the African Diaspora and the home continent. She acknowledged that statistics continue to prove that People of African Descent are rising to claim their rights, but more needs to be done to ensure no one is left behind. H.E. Epsy Campbell Barr said her government and Ghana will work together with the UN in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean to intensify calls for the rights of People of African Descent, girls and women, and advance culture and history. In a press release issued by the UNFPA Ghana office, the delegation is expected to call on the Vice-President of the Republic of Ghana and visit some historic and cultural sites in the country.

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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

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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