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

16 March 2023

Communities reaping benefits of acting for nature

Mary Adedzi a mother of four lives in the Saviefe Agorkpo community in the Ho West District Assembly of the Volta Region of Ghana. With broad smiles, she proudly recounts how her commitment to planting and taking care of trees on her farm years ago is yielding benefits. Today, her 12-year-old economic tree species are a source of happiness. “We were given seedlings, which we nursed and planted with crops on our cocoa farms a few years ago. My cocoa and crops have been maturing well because of the shades from the trees, and I must say I am happy I joined the initiative”, Mary narrated. Mary’s community falls within the lowlands of Weto landscape which is about 344 hectares placed under the cocoa agroforestry. The landscape is well-endowed with a diversified natural resource base with rich endemic flora, wildlife, birds, and has a conducive climate. However, in the recent past, the area suffered from extensive environmental degradation. This was due to uncontrolled wildfire, unsustainable farming practices, and illicit harvesting of timber and wood fuel, resulting in the lose of at least 70 percent of the original habitat. Looking back, Mary is proud of joining her peers to practice cocoa agroforestry where they were supported to integrate and manage economic trees with crops on their farms. “I have been planting cocoa, yam, vegetables, plantain, avocado, and mangoes with trees on my farm. The crops provide food for me and my family, and I also sell some for income. I am happy to say that my firstborn is currently at the Nursing Training School and am able to take care of her education because of the profits I make from the farm”, Mary stated. Mary is among the 3,500 direct beneficiaries supported in 2012 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), under the UNDP Global Environment Facility Small Grant Programme (GEF/SGP), to help restore the degraded Weto landscape. The project dubbed “Community Development and Knowledge Management for the Satoyama Initiative (COMDEKS)’ was financed by the Japan Biodiversity Fund. “I have also benefited a lot from the initiative. As a widow, my biggest joy is being able to send my daughter to university due to the profits I make from proceeds from my farm. I can say it is good to have the trees on our farms because we get good yields due to the shades”, noted Gladys Godzo, also in Saviefe Agorkpo. Working together for nature The project has formed the Weto Platform, made up of ten Civil Society Organizations in environmental protection, traditional authorities, Government institutions (such as Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Forestry Commission and District Assemblies), and the local communities. Coming together, the Weto Platform has proven successful. As a governing body, the Platform has supervised the conservation of 135,500 hectares of ridge forestland as a community-managed natural regeneration area. Out of this, 15,000 hectares have been placed under agroforestry and sustainable land management. In addition, seven watersheds have also been rehabilitated and restored, making these rivers perennial. “If we destroy the environment, we destroy our sustenance. So, we are doing everything possible to protect the forest”, noted His Majesty, Osie Adza Terkpor VII, Paramount Chief of Avatime and President of the Avatime Traditional Council. Forest restoration paving way for ecotourism The multi-stakeholder approach has not only contributed to the restoration of the threatened landscape but is also promoting ecotourism, employment opportunities, and livelihood support systems in the Weto landscape. Part of the protected area is currently hosting the first canopy walkway in the Volta Region at Amedzofe, offering rewarding recreational, health, and economic benefits to the indigenes and numerous visitors. “We are conserving the area to protect endangered species particularly the slippery frogs and a portion of the proceeds from this ecotourism project is being shared with the community towards the community development”, noted Dr. Caleb Ofori Boateng, Founder of Herp Ghana Conservation, the non-governmental organization that built the first Volta Region’s canopy walkway and a member of the Weto Platform. Community leadership is therefore central to the success of any climate action, as this allows exchange of rich traditional ecological knowledge, and stewardship. The success of the Weto landscape restoration cannot be told without the critical role played by the traditional authorities and individual community members like Mary and Gladys. It is important to note that the climate emergency demands action from everyone - individuals, Governments, and businesses. We must all lace up our shoes and join the race to net zero emissions toward a sustainable future. ###

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Story

09 March 2023

UN in Ghana and Gender Ministry celebrate International Women’s Day

Women are an important part of the 8 billion population of the world and are driving the change in the present to make the world a better place. March 8 of every year is marked as International Women’s Day to celebrate all women across the globe and to appreciate their political, cultural, economic, and social achievements. As part of this year’s celebration, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection in collaboration with the United Nations in Ghana and key partners held a commemorative event at the forecourt of the Ministry. The theme for this year’s celebration is “DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality”. The theme focuses on the under-representation of women in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The UN Resident Coordinator in Ghana, Mr. Charles Abani, in a statement read on his behalf by Dr. Wilfred Ochan, said women and girls mostly deal with cyberbullying, sextortion, image-based abuse, and harassment and are mostly forced out of the limited digital spaces that they occupy. “These problems can and must be solved and put under control in order to make women feel comfortable in the tech space,” he stated. Highlighting the importance of technology, innovation, agriculture, peace and the role of women, the Deputy Head of Delegation of the European Union to Ghana, Pieter Smidt Van Gelder, said the path to women’s equality has been long and challenging. He said there is much to celebrate about women’s achievements although there is still more to do. “Let’s embrace equality and build a better world for women everywhere so we can collectively forge a positive change” he added. Gender stereotyping and all forms of gender-based violence in societies are key challenges that impede the promotion of innovation and technology for gender equality. The Deputy Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Hon. Francisca Oteng Mensah highlighted the need for education to change the negative perception that women do not belong in the front row of innovation and technological change. Addressing some of these issues, the Deputy Minister said the Ministry has taken steps to review and update the National Gender Policy, which will create equal opportunities for all by mainstreaming gender equality and women’s empowerment concerns into the national development process to improve the social, political and economic conditions of the country. She mentioned the United Nations population Fund (UNFPA)’s BOAME App and the Orange Support Centre established in collaboration with the Ministry to support the fight against domestic and gender-based violence. The BOAME App is an innovative platform that supports survivors of domestic and gender-based violence to talk to relevant resource persons. The event which started with a walk dubbed “national equity walk” from the Kwame Nkrumah Circle to the forecourt of the Ministry aimed to educate and create awareness for equity for women in every endeavor.

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22 February 2023

Government of Ghana, European Union and United Nations launch migration partnership project

The Government of Ghana, the United Nations Network on Migration (Network) and the European Union have launched the flagship project Building Migration Partnerships in Ghana to build the capacity of key stakeholders in the migration sector for effective implementation of the country’s National Migration Policy towards safe, orderly, and regular migration. The project seeks to strengthen and leverage whole-of-UN expertise to support good migration governance in the country with the goal of making migration work for sustainable development. Launching the project on behalf of the Minister for the Interior, the Chief Director of the Ministry, Madam Adelaide Ano-Kumi said the project "reflects a true commitment to building migration partnerships which is also geared towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.” The UN Coordinator, Mr. Charles Abani, the Head of Mission of the International Organization for Migration, Ms. Fatou Ndiaye Diallo and the EU Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Irchad Razaaly stressed on strengthening partnership amongst key stakeholders in the migration sector for effective migration management and to harness the benefits of safe, orderly and regular migration. A press release issued by the Network today notes that "Ghana has made important strides in recent years towards improving its migration policy framework, notably through the development of a National Migration Policy. In addition to supporting the implementation of this policy, the project will help the government of Ghana achieve the 23 objectives set under the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, through the formulation and development of a comprehensive five-year Plan of Action."

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20 February 2023

Exploring the challenges and opportunities for green shipping in Africa

A two-day international conference to promote green shipping in Africa has taken place in Accra. Organised by the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) in collaboration with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Danish Maritime Organization, the conference, the first to be held in Africa, was on the theme “Unlocking Opportunities for Green Shipping in Africa”. Green shipping refers to efficient and environmentally friendly shipping practices that reduce the use of resources and energy to preserve the global environment from Green House Gas and environmental pollutants. However, green transition is one of the greatest challenges that the shipping sector has ever faced, according to the IMO. Key drivers of change include an ambitious and global regulatory framework, energy efficiency measures, development of new technologies, investments in renewable energy and infrastructure and new ways of working together especially between the public-private sector. The goal of the green shipping conference was to explore not only the challenges, but also the opportunities for African countries that lie within this green transition. It aimed at preparing Africa for the crucial transition to cleaner fuels for shipping and to explore the availability of Partnerships and the importance of Africa's participation in Global Regulations. Participants included Director-Generals and Technical Experts from selected Maritime Administrations across Africa. Opening the conference, the Minister of Transport, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah said, the shipping industry emits 2-3 per cent of the annual global GHG, with most ships in operation currently being powered by fossil fuels. According to him, it is necessary to apply regulatory measures to facilitate shipping transitions and reduce emissions, and to encourage the production of alternative low-and zero-carbon fuels for shipping. He further emphasized the need for Ghana and Africa to explore the green shipping industry. The IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim stressed on the importance of partnership and funding in the shipping industry. “There is a strong willingness and commitment to work with all stakeholders to explore and make a push towards renewable energy, to ensure that maritime transport benefits from the relevant investment and technology transfer” he stated, adding that IMO would show global leadership towards efforts to decarbonise shipping by leading by example and providing a global framework for the maritime industry to strive for green shipping with the involvement of all member states.

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10 February 2023

UNODC holds training workshop on prison management and the prevention of radicalization to violence for 25 prison officers

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has conducted a three-day introductory training workshop on prison management and the prevention of radicalization to violence for 25 selected prison officers from the five northern regions of Ghana. These regions are a priority due to their proximity to the Sahel region and other factors making them susceptible to the threat of violent extremism and terrorism. The training program seeks to address issues related to the purpose of a prison sentence per international standards and norms, such as the Nelson Mandela Rules, and how to achieve a successful rehabilitation and to ensure that prisons do not become places of radicalization to violence. The workshop was part of NORPREVSEC, an Ibero-American Foundation for Administration and Public Policies’ (FIIAPP) project, financed by the European Union, and delivered by UNODC in collaboration with the Counter Terrorism Fusion Center of the Ministry of National Security of Ghana, Interpol and the Ghana Prisons Service (GPS). The training focused on building the capacity of trainees to deliver evidence-based measures to manage violent extremist prisoners and prevent radicalization to violence. Presentations and interactive exercises were delivered by a range of expert trainers from Ghana, Senegal, Spain, and Germany. One key subject covered was the development and implementation of a tailored classification procedure for prisoners, based on individuals’ risks and needs. Trainees were keen to take this forward. Also covered were the topics of prison intelligence; dynamic security and targeted rehabilitation interventions. All are indispensable elements for ensuring safety and security in prisons. Good and human-rights compliant prison management for all prisoners provides the essential foundation for targeted work to prevent radicalization to violence and reducing re-offending among violent extremist prisoners. The representatives from the GPS expressed their gratitude for the successful training and stressed that more capacity building initiatives are desired in the future. It was agreed that work will continue as part of UNODC’s project ‘Strengthening the compliance of the GPS with the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules)’, which is financed by the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).

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Press Release

19 March 2023

Chef Fatmata Binta leads FAO event to celebrate International Year of Millets in Africa

Chef Binta is an advocate for fonio – an ancient African super grain – and for supporting women fonio producers. She won the Basque Culinary World Prize in 2022 for her Dine on a Mat concept which brings together her Fulani cultural heritage and her culinary training. “Millets have a lot of potential for agricultural transformation. If we can increase productivity, and add value along the supply chain through processing it will benefit those who are producing, especially a lot of women,” said FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa Abebe Haile-Gabriel at the event. “Fonio is very easy to grow, you don’t need to plough the land too much, you can harvest within 8 to 12 weeks and it has so many benefits, so it is something we need to add to our diets,” said Chef Binta, who is collaborating with FAO throughout the International Year of Millets. “Right now we are talking a lot about sourcing loca, connecting with farmers, and I think it’s important now to start using ingredients that are underutilized – that’s the way forward,” she said. The Ambassador of India to Ghana H.E. Sugandh Rajaram, whose country first proposed the international year to the United Nations, attended the event. Other guests included representatives from the Governments of Ghana, Australia, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Italy, Japan, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Korea, Spain, Togo, the United Kingdom, the European Union, the United States of America’s USAID, the African Development Bank, the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), the Pan-African Agribusiness Apex Chamber (PAAC), the UN Resident Coordinator and the World Food Programme. Fonio – a star from Africa Fonio was the star ingredient at the Dine on a Mat event, including in a salad served with nuts and herbs. “I encourage everyone to use more millets, look for recipes online, and explore what you can do with these ancient super grains,” said Chef Binta. Millets were among the first plants to be domesticated and have been an important food for hundreds of millions of people in Africa and Asia. They include sorghum, pearl millet, finger millet, amaranth, fonio and teff. These small grains are packed with minerals including iron, fibre, antioxidants and protein, have a low glycaemic index and are gluten-free. Despite their history and nutritional value, they account for less than 3 percent of the global grains trade. Millets are a climate solution Millets are climate-resilient crops because they can grow on arid lands with minimal inputs and maintenance, are tolerant or resistant to diseases and pests, and are more resilient to climate shocks than other cereals. The residues from millet harvests are used as livestock feed and are an important adjunct to feed security, especially during harsh seasons such as drought. Greater consumption of millets can offer opportunities to smallholder farmers through sustainable increased production. By promoting millets and regaining market opportunities, additional sources of revenue can be created for smallholders and in the food sector, boosting economic growth. Governments and policy makers can prioritize the production and trade of millets, take legislative actions to promote their cultivation and innovative methods for harvest and post-harvest processes. Millets can also be put on the menu at public schools and hospitals. The private sector can invest in the sustainable production of millets by facilitating access to credit or other financial support, millet-specific training, farming equipment and new technologies that improve the processing of millets. The food industry can increase production and promotion of millets-based products. Everyone can promote and enjoy millets in their daily lives. As part of her collaboration with FAO, Chef Binta has launched a global Instagram Chefs Challenge that encourages chefs and any other passionate cooks to share a millet recipe using the hashtag #IYM2023. ENDS

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Press Release

13 March 2023

UNIDO, GEA AND JAPAN open application for its National Kaizen Initiative for MSMES

The call for proposal under the joint implementation of UNIDO and the GEA is part of activities of its $3.9 Million project “Expanding the Kaizen Initiatives by Enhancing Sustainable Agri-Business”, funded by the government of Japan to sustainably and continually improve quality and productivity of businesses in Ghana. Mr. Marin Mizuno, UNIDO Project Manager, noted acquiring proper enterprise performance management skill is crucial to the sustanaibility of MSMEs and enterprsies growth. Mr. Mizuno said: “In this difficult time, the only control at our disposal is our own internal resources, which we can maximize to improve enterprise performance. And in this regard, I strongly believe that the Kaizen approach, which leverages on the efficiency of internal resources, is the perfect tool for MSMEs to cope with the current difficulties.” He emphasised that UNIDO’s Smart and Sustainable Agri-business, an innovative enterprise performance management tool which leverages on digital solutions to productivity improvement will contribute to modernizing enterprise performance management in the MSMEs space. Mr. Tetsuya Imaoka, Coordinator for Economic Cooperation of the Embassy of Japan in Ghana revealed the philosophy of Kaizen is to improve the enterprise performance by maximizing the efficiency with the available resources, rather than resorting to huge capital investment. Mr. Imaoka affirmed: “I believe Japanese technology, experience and wisdom through a variety of methodologies and approaches is exactly what is needed in Ghana, especially for micro, small and medium enterprises as we go through a very difficult time.” Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor, Caretaker Minister for the Ministry of Trade and Industry and Substantive Minister for the Minstry of Lands and Natural Resources said data from the registrar General’s Department of Ghana indicates that about 90% of businesses registered in Ghana are MSMEs. He confrmed: “Micro, Small and Medium enterprises have been identified by Government as the means through which its Industrial Transformation Agenda and other development goals of the country can be realised and we are grateful to Japan for this support.” Mrs. Kosi Yankey-Ayeh, the Chief Executive Officer of GEA stated that the project is going to stimulate the National Expansion drive for MSMEs with emphasis on production efficiency, food safety and compliance to make them more efficient and competitive. Mrs. Yankey-Ayeh added: “We are committed, prepared and well-positioned to partner with UNIDO to ensure the smooth commemncement and successful implementation of the Project”. MSMEs who meet the selection requirement would be selected for Kaizen and SSAB training. The selected MSMEs will also benefit from the capital investment component of the project. The Call for Proposal for this program will be open until the 30th of April for the enterprises to apply. The selection will be duly conducted for the final nomination of the enterprises to be supported under the program. For more information, please contact: Marin Mizuno, UNIDO; e-mail: M.MIZUNO@unido.org

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Press Release

06 February 2023

The UNFPA Ghana Country Office and partners observe the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) defines Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) as “a practice that involves altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons.” The practice is internationally recognized as a gross violation of human rights and an estimated 200 million women and girls across the world have undergone some form of FGM. At the global level, since 2008, UNFPA and UNICEF have been leading a joint programme to eliminate FGM in 17 countries. Annually in Ghana, the UNFPA Country Office has worked with the Ministry of Gender, Children & Social Protection, NGOs, traditional authorities, religious leaders, women and advocates to stem the tide of FGM in our communities. In line with the global theme for observing this year’s International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, we call on the Government of Ghana through the Ministry of Gender, Children & Social Protection, UN agencies, development partners, traditional and religious leaders, and NGOs to:
● Partner and engage men and boys to shift unequal power relations and challenge the
attitudes and behaviours caused by gender inequality leading to FGM.
● Change the social norms that perpetuate FGM.
● Invest in national and local-level policies to protect the rights of girls and women,
including the development of action plan to end FGM. The UNFPA Ghana Country Office and its partners, including the Embassy of Norway in Ghana, will be observing the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM with a series of activities including a dialogue with men and boys on FGM and a durbar for sensitization of traditional leaders, particularly the male leaders to lead the charge to end FGM on Monday, February 6, 2023 at Pusiga in the Upper East Region. Let us be reminded of the urgent need for more concerted efforts and investments to eliminate the harmful practice of FGM. We need men and boys to create safe environment for women and girls to live free of FGM including raising awareness about FGM, reporting cases of FGM, speaking up against the social norm that perpetuate FGM, and in supporting their sisters and daughters not to undergo FGM. We can all do our parts to protect the millions of girls and women at risk of FGM.

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