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

06 June 2024

UN Ghana Annual Results Report 2023

In response to multifaceted development challenges, in 2023 the United Nations Country Team in Ghana, under the leadership of the Resident Coordinator, embarked on several strategic initiatives across key development areas. These ranged from supporting food systems transformation, driving digital transformation, enhancing educational reforms, strengthening peace and security frameworks, addressing climate change impacts, to advancing urbanization efforts and humanitarian preparedness and response. Our collective efforts aimed not only at addressing immediate concerns but also at laying the groundwork for long-term sustainable development, fully integrating the principle of Leaving No One Behind., filtered_html

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Story

28 January 2025

UN in Ghana marks International Day of Education with hands-on activities

A form three (3) student and the Assistant School Prefect of Akuapim Technical Institute in the Eastern region of Ghana, Nicholas beamed with pride as he pointed to the freshly laid blocks behind as part of repair works in one of the classroom blocks at Agyemantin M/A Basic School, also in the Eastern region of Ghana. He explained how the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) education he received had given him the skillset to lay the blocks behind him and prepare him to thrive in today's world. As part of activities to commemorate International Day of Education 2025, the United Nations and partners selected four schools in the Eastern region to benefit from facelift. Agyemantin M/A Basic School is one of the four schools. Some of the walls of the classroom blocks in the school were renovated and the rooms painted. The event was initiated by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the World Food Programme (WFP), with key stakeholders including the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Ghana Technical Vocational Education and Training Service (GTVETS). Staff of these institutions, community members and GTVETS students, guided by Nicholas and his colleagues laid bricks, plastered, painted the school blocks and planted trees, a clear demonstration to go beyond speeches and discussions. According to the organisers, their aim was to make this year’s International Day of Education more real, tangible and impactful by demonstrating to local beneficiaries the need for a conducive and safe educational environment. Addressing the gathering, the Education Specialist at UNICEF, Christopher Nkrumah, stressed on the need to address climate and education challenges through home-grown solutions. He added that “TVET institutions stand out as strategic partners in championing innovative approaches to solving problems in schools, workplaces, and communities, and as such by leveraging their expertise, we can design and implement climate-smart and disaster-resilient learning facilities while addressing broader infrastructural and environmental challenges.” Elsewhere, 17-year-old Elvin Darkwa, a Form 3 student of the Demonstration School for the Deaf, another beneficiary school of the initiative, informed us that “education, specifically sign language, has empowered me and prepared me for the future.” He expressed confidence to work and be successful after school. The Municipal Director of Education for Akuapem South, Madam Elizabeth Afriyie said the Municipality is committed to providing education that is relevant and inclusive. “We are working to improve our education system to ensure that every learner has access to quality education, regardless of their background or circumstance,” she said.In an interview, the Headteacher of Agyemantin M/A Basic School, Mr. Emmanuel Darko, expressed profound gratitude for the repair works and paintings his school received. , filtered_html

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11 March 2025

Empowering Immigration Officers through MIDAS

Meet Immigration Officer, Priscilla Ampadu of the Ghana Immigration Service. Assistant Immigration Control Officer (AICO) II Priscilla Ampadu has been working as an immigration officer at the Mognori Sector Command of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) for over three years. On a daily basis, Priscilla works with travellers crossing the border between Ghana and Burkina Faso. Her job involves recording travellers’ data, diligently ensuring that each traveller meets the minimum requirement for entering and exiting the country in accordance with the country’s immigration laws and regulations. Priscilla's job is demanding, requiring quick decision-making and attention to detail. Up to now, the data that immigration officers are required to collect from travellers has been recorded manually. Priscilla must write all the details of the travellers in a book and crosscheck also with other books which colleagues might have used. The introduction of the Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS) by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has come as a relief for her and colleagues, and it makes border management efficient and effective. MIDAS is a user-friendly and customizable Border Management Information System (BMIS). It comes with the capability to collect, store, and analyse traveller information in real-time and across an entire border network.“MIDAS has truly revolutionized the way we work, empowering us to capture data with ease. It saves time as well. At first, I was sceptical about it, but it has become an indispensable tool in my work, making my job easier and more efficient," said Priscilla. Developed by IOM in 2007, the MIDAS enables states to monitor more effectively individuals entering and exiting their territory while providing a sound statistical basis for migration policy-related planning. Currently operational in over 30 countries, MIDAS has been designed to be compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards.“With MIDAS, one can quickly verify the authenticity of travel documents, as well as identify individuals on national stop lists and international alert list. This is done within seconds, unlike before, when we had to flip through all the logbooks and also consult the official communication platforms at the command to check if the person is on the stop list. It could take several hours. The intuitive interface and user-friendly features of MIDAS makes it easy to check against the national and international alert lists, for instance Interpol,” Priscilla explained.MIDAS automatically captures traveller’s biographic and biometric data using document readers, webcams, and fingerprint readers. This automation of data collection allows for faster and more accurate capture of information. MIDAS is completely customizable and can be tailored to the specific requirements of governments, be it the integration with Advance Passenger Information (API) systems, compatibility with an e-Visa solution, or the option to print visa vignettes and temporary travel cards. “I didn’t know there was a system to make our work easy like this. During the workshop, we received hands-on training from IOM Ghana on how to navigate the MIDAS, and I must say, I was impressed, especially the interoperable ability and the possibility to check travellers against Interpol list is amazing! The trainer emphasized the importance of accuracy, efficiency, and adherence to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) when using MIDAS,” Priscilla mentioned.As part of the MIDAS roll-out in Ghana, a customised training – tailored to the needs of the respective administrators, end users (front-line immigration officers) and IT focal points at the various crossing points was delivered. IOM Ghana has so far trained over 100 immigration officers in the Upper East and Upper West regions of Ghana, specifically in Hamile, Kulungugu, Mognori, Namoo, and Pulmakom all located on the border with Burkina Faso.Priscilla shared how the training has been helpful and how she is going to utilize the knowledge gained: “I have been using MIDAS for about a month now after we received the training, and it has made it easier to keep track of statistics, to streamline data collection and to enhance operational efficiency at this border checkpoint. We can leverage on this improved management of data to make informed decisions. I believe it can also help GIS’ HQ in advocacy and inform policies based on the data we collect.” She added: “The knowledge I have acquired now, will help improve my work on the field even in my next posting and I might even train others and share my knowledge.” , filtered_html

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10 March 2025

A Journey of Service: Reflections of a Retiree from IOM after 24 Years

In the corridors of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Ghana, amidst the hum and the ebb and flow of activities, there is a figure whose presence has left an indelible mark on the organization as the first ever IOM Ghana retiree– Ms. Patricia Elsie Aikins, popularly known as “Mama P”. After 24 years of dedicated service, Mama P bids farewell to IOM at age 65, leaving behind a legacy of commitment, professionalism, and unwavering dedication.Ms. Aikins' journey with IOM began in June 2000 when she joined as an Operations Assistant. In this role, she quickly established herself as a reliable and efficient member of the team, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues and superiors alike. Over the years, she took on increasingly challenging roles, serving as an Account Personnel Assistant, Admin Assistant at the Medical Department, now the Migration Health Assessment Center (MHAC), as well as Procurement and Logistics Assistant, before assuming the position of Admin and Finance Assistant under treasury in the Resource Management Unit. Reflecting on her journey with IOM, Mama P remarks: "I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to grow and develop professionally and personally within the organization. Each role has presented its own challenges and rewards, and I am proud of the contributions I have made along the way."As she transitions into retirement, Ms. Aikins looks back at her time with IOM with fondness and gratitude. "IOM has been more than just a workplace for me – it has been a second family," she says. "I will miss the camaraderie and sense of purpose that comes with working alongside such dedicated and passionate individuals."Throughout her tenure, Mama P has been a steadfast advocate for the values and principles of IOM, embodying the organization's commitment to humanitarian service and migrant welfare. "I have always believed in the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect, no matter one’s background," she emphasizes. "It has been a privilege to play a role in supporting migrants in their journey towards a better life through my work."As she embarks on the next chapter of her life, Ms. Aikins is filled with optimism and excitement for the future. "Retirement may mark the end of one chapter, but it is also the beginning of a new adventure," she reflects. "I look forward to spending more time with my family and pursuing personal interests and hobbies." As colleagues gather to bid farewell to Mama P, they express their gratitude for her years of service and the impact she has had on the organization. "Mama P’s dedication and professionalism has been an inspiration to us all, as she is very principled and meticulous in her work," remarks IOM Ghana’s National HR Officer, Ms. Cynthia Mensah. "Her presence will be sorely missed. She has left a big shoe to fit, but her legacy will continue to inspire us for years to come," said Senior Finance Assistant, Mr. Samuel Baah.In her parting message, Mama P offers words of encouragement and wisdom to her colleagues: "Continue to uphold the values of integrity, compassion, and excellence that define IOM. IOM is full of rules, regulations, and procedures; if you follow them, you will have no issues," she urges. "Together, we have the power to make a difference in the lives of migrants and their communities around the world.”As Ms. Aikins takes her final steps out of the doors of IOM, she leaves behind a legacy of service. Her journey may have come to an end at IOM and IOM Ghana, but her impact will be felt for generations to come., filtered_html

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08 March 2025

Empowering Women, Transforming Communities: The Women of Amui Dzor Leading Change

Across the world, women are at the heart of community transformation, and in Ghana, their role in shaping resilient urban spaces has never been more critical. As we mark International Women’s Day, the UN in Ghana celebrates the remarkable contributions of women in the Amui Dzor community in the Ashaiman Municipality, where they are redefining leadership and resilience by mobilizing themselves along savings to access housing, basic services and livelihood opportunities.Women at the Forefront of ChangeFor decades, women in informal settlements have faced daily struggles—unsafe living conditions, inadequate sanitation, and the constant threat of eviction. However, the story is changing, these challenges are being addressed with women taking center stage, thanks to UN-Habitat Ghana’s People's Dialogue project being implemented in partnership with the Ministries of Works, Housing and Water Resources and Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Traditional Authorities, and the Ghana Federation of Urban Poor (GHAFUPAfter over a decade of benefitting from the UN-Habitat supported Slum Upgrading Facility, the women of Amui-Dzor continue to play a pivotal role in ensuring the three-story social housing facility with one and two-bedroom apartments, commercial units, and a community-managed public toilet developed under the project are well maintained. This project not only provides safe and affordable housing but also incorporates traditional spatial designs that foster communal living, with the open area serving as meeting space for federation and vaccination points in the community among other uses as needed.Breaking Barriers, Building Resilience Madam Hafsatu Salifu, a petty trader and mother of two, recalls how women’s voices were often excluded from urban development conversations. “Before, we were left out of these discussions. Now, we are part of every step. It’s not just about improving our homes; it’s about shaping our futures.”Their engagement from the outset ensured that critical issues—such as the installation of sanitation facilities and clean water access—were prioritized. Hafsatu highlights the stark difference between life before and after the project: “I used to worry every day about my children getting sick because of the dirty water and poor sanitary conditions. Now, we have clean water, and I feel more secure knowing my family is healthier and safer.” A New Era of Women’s LeadershipOne of the most significant achievements of the project is the shift in gender roles within the community. Women are now leading in urban planning and community decision-making. Their leadership in these traditionally male-dominated sectors is not only transforming their own lives but is also inspiring younger generations to take active roles in shaping their communities.Women as Pillars of Sustainable Urban DevelopmentUN-Habitat Ghana’s Slum Upgrading Facility is a testament to the power of women-led development. By ensuring that women are not just beneficiaries but active agents of change, the project is setting a precedent for inclusive urban development. When women lead, communities thrive, and when they are empowered, cities become stronger, more resilient, and more sustainable.As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing gender equality in urban development. The women of Amui Dzor have shown that with the right support and opportunities, they can break barriers, build resilience, and create lasting change for generations to come. , filtered_html

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05 March 2025

UN-France Food Assistance Programme impacts over 10,000 beneficiaries in Ghana since its inception.

The United Nations (UN) in Ghana, led by Resident Coordinator Mr. Charles Abani, recently met with officials from the Embassy of France in Ghana, led by the Head of Cooperation and Cultural Affairs, Mr. Julie Lecas, to review a UN Joint Programme funded by the Government of France. Launched six months ago in Bolgatanga, the UN-France Food Assistance Programme has impacted over 10,000 beneficiaries in Northern Ghana through combined initiatives by the World Food Programme (WFP), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Mr. Abani expressed optimism about achieving the program's goals and objectives, highlighting the coherent collaboration among UN agencies. Mr. Lecas commended the work done so far and welcomed the review report as a valuable initiative to share with Paris. Background:The Joint UN-France Food Assistance Programme; "Enhancing Food Security, Nutrition and Resilience of the most food insecure and vulnerable host communities and asylum seekers in Upper East and Upper West RegionsThis 1 of Ghana". This 18-month project (September 2024 - March 2026) is implemented by WFP, UNICEF, and IOM, in collaboration with UNHCR, Ghana Refugee Board (GRB), Ghana Health Service (GHS), and local NGOs. The project aims to improve food security, nutrition, and resilience among asylum seekers and host communities in the Upper East and Upper West regions of Ghana. , filtered_html

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03 March 2025

UNCTAD enhances capacity to design, operate and manage STI parks

It does this by facilitating collaboration between research institutions, businesses, and entrepreneurs, often focused on developing new technologies and bringing them to market; essentially a hub for technological advancement within a region.” They are vital in fostering innovation ecosystems and nurturing talent. By driving technological advancement, creating jobs, and diversifying the economy, STI parks significantly contribute to sustainable growth.As part of ongoing efforts to support Ghana's development agenda and promote sustainable development through STI, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) held a national workshop in Accra to strengthen Ghana's capacity to design, operate, and manage STI parks.Participants at the 3-day workshop were trained in establishing, developing and managing STI parks and an enabling STI policy environment. It provided participants with essential skills and knowledge for effective STI park management, covering critical areas such as policy coherence, financial sustainability, outreach strategies, tenant management, incubation processes and evaluating innovation outcomes.According to UNCTAD’s Chief of STI for Development, Ms. Liping Zhang, an UNCTAD report on " Science, technology and innovation parks development in Ghana: Assessment and Policy Issues" indicates that although Ghana stands out as a regional leader in STI in key areas like human capital, infrastructure and business sophistication per the Global Innovation Index, there are several challenges that limit the effectiveness and growth of STI parks. “Addressing these challenges is critical to unlocking the full potential of Ghana's STI park ecosystem” she said. The UN Resident Coordinator a.i and Head of UNESCO, Mr. Edmond Moukala noted that the training will enhance the ability to develop pipeline of bankable projects that will attract the requisite partnership and financing for investing in and establishing STI Parks in Ghana. “The United Nations supports this initiative towards building a robust foundation for the development and management of STI parks that will not only advance Ghana’s STI policies but also contribute meaningfully to the country’s sustainable development goals” he said. Speaking on behalf of the Director-General of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the Deputy Director for CSIR-Science and Technology Policy Research Institute (CSIR-STEPRI), Dr. Rose Omari emphasized the importance of the workshop in aligning with CSIR's strategic goals in seven thematic areas, including food security, climate change, and sustainable development. , filtered_html

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Press Release

15 January 2025

UN General Assembly President unveils priorities, paving the way for a productive and successful session

These priorities range from financing for development and eliminating child labour to achieving peace and security in Africa. These priorities are expected to inject new vigour into the work of the UN General Assembly.“As with all our priorities, we will be measured by our actions. My team and I intend to “walk the talk” and deliver on my promises to you, the Member States of the United Nations,” stated President Yang. “For the challenges we face, require that we commit to work together to achieve the goals that we have set for ourselves,” he added.President Yang’s priorities for the resumed session address the three pillars of the United Nations – peace and security, human rights and sustainable development. These priorities are:· Peace and security in Africa· Combatting the illicit use of small arms and light weapons· Preserving human dignity in armed conflict· Eliminating child labour· Financing for development, and· Turbocharging the SDGs, including through digitalization. Multilingualism and the empowerment of women will be cross-cutting issues at the core of his priorities for the session. With its membership of 193 Member States, the General Assembly stands as the most powerful platform for multilateral discussion on the full spectrum of international issues.The landmark Pact for the Future and its annexes, the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations, adopted in September 2024, have set the stage for a renewed international system that is responsive to the realities of today’s world and the challenges of tomorrow.The President will support Member States in advancing implementation of the Pact for the Future during the resumed session by convening three informal dialogues. These dialogues will be an opportunity to engage in open, inclusive and action-oriented discussions to shape the path forward.“Unity in Diversity, for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for everyone, everywhere” is the theme of President Yang’s mandate. The cornerstone of his Presidency will be built on the principles of unity in diversity, fostering an environment where every voice is not only heard but valued.The 79th Session of the UN General Assembly is charged with delivering on numerous mandates, some of which have already been executed successfully. Many more are planned for 2025 which include: the High-level meeting to commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth; the World Social Summit for Development; and the High-level meeting to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women.END, filtered_html

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Press Release

18 December 2024

UNU INRA Releases New Report on Voluntary Carbon Markets in Africa

Voluntary Carbon Markets (VCMs) have emerged as a powerful tool for climate finance, offering Africa significant opportunities to attract green investments for both emissions reductions and ecosystem restoration.However, implementing these solutions in Africa involves taking complex socio-political and economic factors into account. Climate change remains an existential threat, prompting a redefinition and renegotiation of power dynamics and sustainability imperatives towards a carbon-neutral future. Vulnerable countries in the Global South are struggling to enact climate action, leaving frontline communities vulnerable. In the same vein, financially and technologically advanced countries negotiate carbon reductions, while grappling with global power dynamics, thereby striving to mitigate climate impacts. This has raised concerns around transparency, integrity and how well VCMs align with Africa’s sustainable development priorities.The COP29 resolution on Article 6, is a historic breakthrough in global climate governance, addressing long- standing challenges in carbon markets and non-market cooperation. It establishes mechanisms for cross-border collaboration through bilateral carbon trading (Article 6.2) and a centralized emissions reduction framework known as the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism (Article 6.4), with potential annual savings of $250 billion in implementing NDCs (COP29, 2024). For Africa, this unlocks opportunities to attract private investments, finance adaptation projects through the Share of Proceeds (SOP) principle, and strengthen monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems, fostering meaningful participation in global carbon markets. With this in mind, the VCM report provides a critical analysis of the political economy of VCMs in Africa by synthesising key interviews with policy-makers and leading experts in climate and development discourse. It explores the tensions between market-oriented approaches and the need for sustainable development, providing insights into questions of equity, governance, and the monetization of natural resources. The findings highlight the importance of adopting a new perspective that focuses on fair and sustainable solutions, prioritizing the interests of local communities and genuine climate action rather than profit-driven imperatives. Read VCM report here : https://collections.unu.edu/eserv/UNU:10036/Carbon_Market_Economies_____Nov_2024__Web_.pdfAlso read about UNU-INRA at UNCCDCOP16 Riyadh and our side event on Rethinking Carbon Markets for Africa’s Sustainable Future:https://unu.edu/inra/report/rethinking-carbon-markets-africas-sustainable-futureEND , filtered_html

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