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Speech
29 May 2023
2023 International Day of UN Peacekeepers statement by the Deputy Minister for Defence, Hon. Kofi Amankwa-Manu
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Speech
29 May 2023
2023 International Day of UN Peacekeepers statement by the UN Resident Coordinator
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Story
29 May 2023
“Achieving Peace is a Goal for All” Ghana Marks 75th Anniversary of Peacekeepers Day
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Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals in Ghana
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Ghana:
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
17 January 2023
UN Ghana Newsletter - January 2023
In this first edition of the UN Ghana newsletter for 2023, we take a look at efforts at empowering MSMEs and positioning them to trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), our work around supporting a more integrated and strong gender responsiveness in health intervention and how we supported the 5th COVID-19 national vaccination campaign, and more.
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Publication
27 March 2023
DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality in Ghana- An Op-ed by Charles Abani, UN Resident Coordinator in Ghana
International Women's Day (IWD), held on 8 March globally, draws attention on women’s rights and gender equality, and on issues that affect women and girls. As rightly stated by the UN Secretary-General António Guterres “achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls is the unfinished business of our time, and the greatest human rights challenge in our world.” Gender-based discrimination harms everyone – women, girls, men, and boys, and so we must address it.
The 2023 IWD theme, “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”, shines a light on and celebrates the women and girls who are championing the advancement of transformative technology and digital education, and promotes equal access and engagement in the digital transformation opportunities for women and girls. It also recognizes the enormous obstacles these women and girls, including those in Ghana, face — from structural injustices (such as the digital divide), marginalization, and violence, to cascading crises that affect them first and worst, to the denial of their personal autonomy and rights over their bodies and lives.
With a focus on gender inequality in the digital space, on IWD we expose issues on accessibility, usage and safety online. Just imagine - in 2022 only 63 per cent of women were using the Internet compared to 69 per cent of men, according to the International Telecommunication Union. A study (#gendersnap2022) of 51 countries revealed 38 per cent of women had personally experienced online violence. In Ghana, the 2021 Population and Housing Census records that 8 in 10 persons 12 years and older own mobile phones, the proportion was higher for males (85.8%) than females (80.7%). On the use of smart mobile phone, the statistics show 72.5% males and 66% females. For laptop computer, the proportion is 8.4% males and 5.1% females.
This is a systemic problem, and we must find lasting solutions if we are to bridge the gender gap in the digital space. Today, education, trade, business and innovation are evolving, and their transformation are dependent on technology. If women, the largest proportion of those trading, are to benefit from AfCFTA, they must embrace digital skills. Digital inequality diminishes women and girls’ opportunities to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) related fields. If those left behind are to develop the necessary digital skills to engage in digital spaces, we must take action to balance the equation in that space to give equal opportunity to all.
The UN in Ghana works with government, civil society, academia, the women’s rights movement, and private sector, to ensure we accelerate recovery from COVID-19 and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at all levels, including delivering on SDG Goal 5 – achieving Gender Equality. Together with partners, the UN will continue to explore the impact of the digital gender gap on widening economic and social inequalities, while providing an opportunity to spotlight the importance of protecting the rights of women and girls in digital spaces.
It is indeed inspiring that Ghana’s rapid adoption of digital technologies since 2017 to tackle development needs has enabled women to access platforms and information otherwise unavailable. During the COVID-19 pandemic, e-commerce - the buying and selling of goods electronically online - became increasingly popular, and its growth has not been stunted in a post-COVID environment. According to findings from UNDP’s COVID-19 Business Tracker, the use of digital technology (mobile money and internet) among businesses following the pandemic have only increased. And risen even further among women.
For example, women who are largely in the informal sector and engaged in the buying and selling of goods were greatly affected but according to Mamaga Akua Sabea Nyabor VII, who created the “Asigame market Place, and currently uses e-commerce as a source of income for many vulnerable women she deals with, e-commerce “is popular because of the many benefits. I have closed down my physical space shop which of course was taking a lot of money as rent and now operate my e-business -internet marketing. I take my payment through electronic funds transfer; mobile money and it makes life much easier for me”.
With Africa’s Internet economy estimated to reach $180 billion by 2025, according to the IFC, e-commerce can drive inclusive growth and create three million jobs across Africa by 2025 if technology and online markets are well utilized. This could be exponential for Ghana, particularly with a large population of youth that need employment. However, the figures show that women are at high risk to be left behind without the proper support and training.
To this end, the UN has been working to address the economic performance of MSMEs in the country. Looking to Agribusiness, the UN has launched the “Expanding the Kaizen initiative by enhancing sustainable agribusiness” project, where businesses will use UNIDO’s digital dashboard system to enhance resource efficiency, the environmental sustainability, and the social welfare of MSMEs. It looks to further enhance the competitiveness of MSMEs in the country. And UNCTAD’s work with the Ministry of Trade and Industry on e-commerce readiness is a critical piece in accelerating digital trade, especially for women.
On education, there is a positive start for the first STEM clinic in Ghana which marks the beginning of a new chapter for girls' participation in STEM education. However, girls’ participation in STEM subjects in secondary schools is still lower than that of boys, with only 39% of students studying STEM subjects being girls. This gap remains a major barrier to their participation in tech design and governance. The pervasive threat of online gender-based violence, coupled with a lack of legal recourse too often forces them out of the digital spaces they do occupy. The focus on Ghana on Life-long learning and skills (through the Ministry of Education’s selection of this track as a priority in the global transforming education agenda) is a welcome boost.
In partnership with the IamtheCODE Foundation, the UN Habitat and UNHCR in Ghana have launched the “Digital and Reproductive Health Learning for Girls and Boys in Informal Settlements” programme to improve digital and reproductive health education in selected slums and informal settlements in Ghana. Furthermore, through UNFPA, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and other partners have developed the WAWABA SRH, a user-centered web-based SRH platform that directs users to nearest locations to access friendly SRH services and is an integral part of the You-Must-Know (YMK) App of the GHS. Today, WAWABA/YMK has been accessed by over 50,000 adolescents. Additionally, in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the launch of the BOAME App to support the fight against domestic and gender-based violence, is providing avenues for gender-based violence to be channeled and addressed.
Digital technology is opening new doors for the global empowerment of women, girls and other marginalized groups and we must take advantage of this real opportunity. The UN in Ghana will continue to work with Government and partners across board to ensure we deliver adequately on SDG Goal 5 and its associated indicators by 2030. Gender equality and women’s empowerment, alongside harnessing the digital transformation opportunities, are at the heart of the UN’s work as contained in the new UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and we stand in readiness to support women and girls to close the gender gap and stand as equal champions in the digital transformation drive.
And in spite of progress, much remains to be done. Let us work together – across governments, the private sector and civil society – to build a more inclusive, just, and prosperous world for women, girls, men, and boys everywhere.
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Story
29 May 2023
“Achieving Peace is a Goal for All” Ghana Marks 75th Anniversary of Peacekeepers Day
For these reasons, International Day of UN Peacekeepers is observed each year on May 29th to honor their selflessness and courage. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Peace Begins with Me” which seeks to honor peacekeepers, past and present, who have served and sacrificed their lives serving under the United Nations flag.
To mark this year’s 75th anniversary, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integrations, in partnership with other stakeholders, including the United Nations, held a commemoration ceremony at the forecourt of the State House.
Speaking at the ceremony, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mr. Charles Abani commended the tremendous contributions of Ghana and Ghanaian peacekeepers in peacekeeping missions. He said “Ghana has demonstrated unwavering commitment, providing troops, police officers, and civilian personnel to numerous operations across different continents. Out of the 122 contributing countries, Ghana ranks number 7 with 2756 peacekeepers as of February 2023”.
He singled out and commended Captain Cecilia Erzuah of Ghana who served as a peacekeeper with the United Nations Interim Security Force in Abyei (UNISFA) and was awarded the 2022 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year.
Mr. Abani also highlighted the efforts of United Nations and the strides that the UN has taken to strengthen and promote peacekeeping. He said “From the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara to the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization in the Middle East, the United Nations peacekeeping operations are a true testament to multilateralism at its best”
He further went on to thank Ghana for accepting to host the Peacekeeping Ministerial Conference for the first time in Africa later in December this year.
The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Thomas Mbomba re- echoed the importance of the Peacekeeping Ministerial Conference as a momentous time for Ghana, and an opportunity to bring together leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from around the world to deliberate on the challenges and opportunities facing UN peacekeeping operations. “It will provide a platform to share experiences, exchange best practices, and strengthen partnerships in our collective pursuit of sustainable peace” he said.
Hon. Mbomba noted that Ghana supports the view that international peacekeeping must evolve to better respond to the dramatic changes in the nature and scale of armed conflict. He stressed on the need to strengthen the centrality of the United Nations partnership with regional and sub-regional bodies such as the African Union and European Union.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Deputy Minister for Defence, Hon Kofi Amankwa- Manu called on all stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter. “Let us stand together in solidarity, pledging to support peacekeeping operations, provide the necessary resources, and empower our peacekeepers with the tools they need to carry out their vital missions” he stated.
The ceremony was climaxed with a flag raising, wreath laying and tree planting (tree of life) in honor of the fallen Peacekeepers.
In attendance for this year’s Peacekeepers Day were members of the Diplomatic Corps, Officials from the Ghana Armed Forces, Immigration, Police, Prison services, Stakeholders and students.
BACKGROUND
The General Assembly, in its resolution 57/129, designated 29 May as the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. This is the date when in 1948 the first UN peacekeeping mission named the "United Nations Truce Supervision Organization", or UNTSO, began operations in Palestine. On this day, we pay tribute to the professionalism, dedication and courage of all the men and women serving in UN peacekeeping operations and honor the memory of those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace.
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Story
26 May 2023
Captain Erzuah becomes 1st Ghanaian peacekeeper to receive United Nations Military Peacekeepers Advocate of the Year Award - 2022
The award is in recognition of her phenomenon contribution towards gender equality and inclusiveness to in carrying out her duty as a peacekeeper with the United Nations Interim Security Force in Abyei (UNISFA). This noteworthy feat not only recognizes Captain Erzuah's dedication and commitment but is also a testament of the extraordinary efforts and contributions of Ghanaian women in the field of international peacekeeping.
The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres presented the award to Captain Cecelia Erzuah at a ceremony held in New York to coincide with the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. He said her work sets the standard for ensuring that women's needs and concerns are reflected across United Nations Peacekeeping operations.
In her acceptance speech, Captain Erzuah echoed the importance of gender parity and the deployment of more women in peacekeeping. “The right approach to gender parity means deploying more women in peacekeeping, including to leadership positions such as Platoon Commanders, Officers Commanding, and Commanding Officers” she added. Also, in an interview with Africa Renewal in New York, Capt. Erzuah discussed the significance of the award and her determination to keep fighting for gender equality. She said, “This acknowledgment reaffirms my belief in the importance of hard work and dedication to duty” adding that she considers the award a great honor.
Captain Erzuah becomes the first Ghanaian peacekeeper, and the first recipient from a contingent or a unit, to receive this prestigious award. A press release issued by the Department of Peace Operations notes that Capt. Erzuah in her mission as Commander of the first Ghanaian Battalion in Abyei, served as a role model for the women, children and all members of the communities. The engagement of her battalion with the communities facilitated the timely collection and exchange of information which enabled greater support to the diverse needs of the communities. She dedicated her award to the people of Abyei.
This prestigious award not only serve as a symbol of the can-do spirit of women when given responsibilities but also draws home the importance of gender equality and women's empowerment in the military and peacekeeping operations. This is also a reflection of the efforts of the Ghana Armed Forces in promoting gender equality in its ranks, and the significant steps the United Nations Peacekeeping operations continue to take to empower women.
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Story
26 April 2023
Engagement Platoons champion gender parity in peacekeeping and beyond
“During [the] second patrol of our platoon to Noong and Kollam areas, the young girls of the village invited us to their tukul (hut), which is something they never do when only male soldiers patrol the area,” says Captain Seema Gowdar.
Captain Gowder was recently deployed with 26 fellow women peacekeepers to the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), as second-in-command of the Indian Engagement Platoon, India’s largest deployment of women peacekeepers in 15 years.
Corporal Lakshmi Pradhan, who joins her in patrols and static security duties, shares her aspirations for the platoon: “I hope that our presence and interaction here inspire and motivate young girls of Abyei to attain education so they can be soldiers, teachers, or anything they want.”
The United Nations Engagement Platoon, a relatively novel military capability within UN Peacekeeping, refers to groups of military peacekeepers who are deployed to support peace operations by engaging communities, particularly women and children. By deploying mixed teams that comprise around 50% of women, the capability contributes to implementing the mission mandates and promotes gender parity.
"Engagement platoons help build trust, prevent conflicts, and support stabilization efforts. This is crucial because addressing the needs of entire communities, including those of women and girls, requires the building and strengthening of relationships,” says Lieutenant Colonel Lausanne Nsengimana Ingabire.
The UN office of Military Affairs, where Lt. Col. Ingabire works, gives priority to developing a curriculum that supports Member States to prepare their peacekeepers for deployment. The curriculum focuses on providing tailored, pre-deployment training for platoons which includes scenario-based exercises involving the technical requirements needed to engage with civil society members.
Training is a vital component in ensuring that peacekeepers can effectively deliver their duties. Part of ensuring this delivery also comes from making certain that men and women peacekeepers are given equal living and working conditions to carry out their tasks and thrive in what they do.
The Elsie Initiative, a pilot project through Canada, helps create supportive conditions for women peacekeepers in the field. In Abyei, it has funded safety improvements in order to make women’s living conditions in campsites equal to their male counterparts. This aspect of gender-sensitive peacekeeping helps uniformed women fully contribute their potential to implement the mission mandate and protect civilians.
For conflict-affected villages in Abyei, some of which experienced attacks as early as January of this year, the diversity provided by Engagement Platoons deployed by UNISFA has already yielded positive results.
For instance, in Majbong, a community in Southeast Abyei, the support of the Ghana Engagement Platoon comes at the right time. Following a spike in community violence early January 2023, this 22-strong platoon has stepped up its presence and kept regular checks on the plight of displaced persons in the volatile area.
According to the information gathered by the peacekeepers, including women in uniform, community members have gradually begun returning to the village and sleeping in their huts. When the violence erupted, they had begun spending the nights in the surrounding bush, placing the women at particular risk of further harm.
The local leaders in Majbong say people have felt safer since the battalion increased the frequency of static and mobile patrols in the area. “The mixed patrols are paving the way for normal life to continue. You see, their presence is boosting the confidence of members of the community to go about daily activities safely,” asserts Deng Paul Mankuol, a traditional chief.
The impact of the Indian Engagement Platoon has also been noted in the village of Kollam. Similar to Majbong, local community members have been hesitant to return to the area after an attack on the village in 2022. When the Indian battalion first accessed Kollam, only one person, an elderly woman, still occupied the area. Most of the community had fled the area due to fear of future attacks. But since the platoon’s arrival in January, the communities in Kollam have gradually begun returning to their homes.
The Indian Engagement Platoon and the Ghanaian Engagement Platoon represent two examples of the ways diverse teams can make UN peace operations more effectively support the communities they serve and protect.
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Story
25 April 2023
Accra becomes the 23rd member of the UNESCO World Book Capital Network
The launch of the Accra World Book Capital kick starts a year-long of activities that will reinforce school and community infrastructure and institutional support for lifelong learning, in order to foster the culture of reading.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of Ghana said winning this year’s title is an acknowledgment of the great steps Ghana and Africa are making to develop the book and creative industries, as well as enhance the youth development through the transformative power of reading. “For us in Ghana, the Accra World Book Capital is more than a reading campaign. It’s an opportunity for government and international partners to leverage the diverse linkages to culture and education to deepen our collective actions to make progress of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals” He added.
The theme for this year’s global campaign is “Reading to Connect Minds for Social Transformation”, highlighting the strong need to promote the books, reading and the creative arts for social transformation.
The Director-General of UNESCO, Ms Audrey Azoulay said the culture of reading is a treasure that must be encouraged, promoted, and supported at all stages of life. “The launch is a call to action for all the initiatives that support literature, authors, and reading” She added.
As part of the launch, the President read the book “Kofi Annan” with four selected students. There was also an exhibition of various publications by several publishers and institutions, including UN Ghana.
The launch attracted a host of stakeholders in the education, creative, and book publishing industries, as well as students, government officials and members of the diplomatic corps including the UN family in Ghana.
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Story
17 April 2023
WHO launches 75th anniversary
With a focus on ensuing “Health for All”, per the theme of the anniversary, WHO aspires to motivate action to tackle the health challenges for improved well-being and longer, healthier lives for everyone.
In Ghana, WHO and the Ministry of Health have launched a yearlong celebration of the 75th anniversary to coincided with the celebration of World Health Day.
Representing the UN in Ghana at the event which was held in Accra on 14 April, were the Resident Coordinator, Charles Abani, and other Heads of UN agencies. Mr. Abani reaffirmed the UN’s participation and undying commitment to forming formidable partnerships, particularly with health institutions, to provide essential health care evenly and equitably for everyone.
“UN in Ghana has contributed effectively with increased capacity to lead transformational changes in achieving the SDG 3 and together, with the government, is committed to act to ensure the availability of healthy foods for Ghanaians and invest in essential nutrition action as part of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) roadmap” he stated.
It is notable that although Ghana had made remarkable achievements towards achieving UHC as seen by the increase in Ghana’s UHC Service coverage index from 35 in 2010 to 47.8 in 2021, the COVID -19 pandemic has disrupted health systems, economies and societies which have particularly affected the collective progress towards the attainment of the health-related sustainable goals, specifically Goal 3 on health and wellbeing.
It is therefore important that those gains are consolidated by adhering to the 2030 Ghana’s UHC roadmap and focal areas such as; systematic improvement in health government, eradication and elimination of communicable diseases such as smallpox, wild poliovirus, trachoma; climate change, good health and many others.
These guarantees were made by Dr. Francis Kasolo, WHO’s Representative to Ghana.
Key issues that were addressed in the launch of the anniversary include the WHO’s formation and its support to Ghana to promote health inclusivity for all through technical and financial support in building a resilient health system. As well as the development of strategic documents such as the National Action Plan for Health Security on non-Communicable Disease including Mental Health, Comprehensive Multi-Year Plan for the expanded Year Programme on Immunization and the National Innovative Health Financing Strategy.
Dr. Kasolo stated that the anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the exceptional achievements of their joint efforts to enhance the health and wellbeing of the Ghanaian people.
He added “it is also an opportunity for us to unite around a single goal and reaffirm our commitment to addressing new health for all".
The Minister of Health, Hon Kwaku Agyeman-Manu in his keynote address acknowledged the immerse contribution of the WHO in assisting Ghana in combating public health emergencies and to the Ghana health sector at large. “The theme for WHO 75th anniversary; Health for All resonates with Ghana’s current health policy and UHC road map he added’’.
There were other solidarity messages that resonated with the theme for the 75th anniversary celebration. They included messages from Dr.Tedros Ghebreyessus, WHO DG; Ms. Beth Cadman OBE, Development Director, UK-FCDO/Health Development Partners Lead and Mme. Nana Siriboe, Rotary International.
Present at the anniversary launch were Professor Fred Binka, VC, The University of Health and Allied Sciences; Simone Giger, Switzerland Ambassador to Ghana, former staff of the WHO and many other prominent figures from the Ghana Health Services.
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Press Release
23 May 2023
Rector of the United Nations University arrives in Ghana for a 4-day official visit
Professor Marwala will also deliver a lecture co-convened by the UNU- Institute for Natural Resources in Africa (UNU-INRA) and the University of Ghana on “Artificial Intelligence and Economic Growth” on 25 May 2023, at 2:00 pm at the University of Ghana Great Hall.
“AI is touted as a game-changer for Africa’s economic growth. Its efficient use can optimize resource endowments, serve as a catalyst for enhanced natural resources conservation, and promote sustainable development,” he said.
The Rector will speak to the media in an interview on Thursday 25 May after his scheduled high-level visits and meetings and will also hold a meeting with the UNU-INRA team before he departs on 26 May 2023.
Professor Marwala is the first Rector of the United Nations University from the Global South. He assumed office as Rector of UNU on 1st March 2023. Prior to that, he served as Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Johannesburg (South Africa) from January 2018 through February 2023. He had previously served as that university’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Internationalization (2013–2017) and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (2009–2013).
END
About UNU
The UNU-INRA was established in 1985 in accordance with a draught resolution adopted at the 21st ordinary session of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) to demonstrate to African Governments and institutions the central role of science, infrastructure, and innovation in promoting natural resources governance and development in Africa while serving as a preeminent institute delivering science for practice.
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Press Release
22 May 2023
Ghanaian peacekeeper selected as United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year 2022
Captain Cecilia Erzuah, 32, who has served in Abyei since March 2022 as the Commander of the Ghana Engagement Platoon, will receive the award from Secretary-General António Guterres during a ceremony marking the International Day of UN Peacekeepers on Thursday, 25 May 2023.
Created in 2016, the United Nations “Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award” recognizes the dedication and efforts of an individual military peacekeeper in promoting the principles of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.
“Resolution 1325 reminds us that our women peacekeepers are not only supporting global peace and security. They are leading the way. By every measure, Captain Cecilia Erzuah of Ghana is one of those leaders,” said Secretary-General António Guterres. “On every front, Captain Erzuah’s work has set the standard for ensuring that the needs and concerns of women are reflected across our peacekeeping operations.”
Captain Erzuah expressed her gratitude for being selected to receive the prize which she called “an award for all of us,” referring to her platoon members.
An advocate for gender equality and community engagement, Capt. Erzuah made sure that her 22-strong platoon, composed equally of men and women, conducted regular patrols and outreach to local leaders as well as women’s and youth groups, to better understand and address community concerns and needs. Together with civilian UN colleagues, she also hosted discussions on domestic violence, gender equality and childcare. Those conversations resulted in an increase in the number of women enlisted in Community Protection Committees, which were initially male dominated. The engagement with community members led to improved early warning about threats of violence against civilians and broader security issues.
The monthly market walks she initiated with her battalion also contributed to build strong and enduring relationships between traders, local residents and the UN.
In January 2023, following a spike in community violence in Majbong, a village in southeast Abyei, Captain Erzuah’s platoon stepped up its presence, regularly checking on the plight of displaced people in the volatile area and enabling the Mission to provide necessary support. Community members, who had sought sanctuary from the fighting in the surrounding bush, gradually began returning to their homes in the village and women reported feeling much safer. “The mixed patrols are (...) boosting the confidence of members of the community to go about daily activities safely,” said Deng Paul Mankuol, a traditional chief in Majbong.
Captain Erzuah is the first Ghanaian peacekeeper, and the first recipient from a contingent or a unit, to receive this prestigious award. Ghana is currently the largest contributor of women military peacekeepers to the United Nations with 375 now deployed.
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Press Release
16 May 2023
United Nations University Rector to visit Ghana
Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala will be the Guest Speaker at the 7th Professor Alexander Adum Kwapong Lecture Series – Nature Speaks, at the University of Ghana.
The visit is the first by Prof. Marwala since assuming office in March 2023. He will familiarize with the UNU-INRA and discuss with the Board and leadership of the Institute future prospects and support levers to ensure UNU-INRA’s long-term viability. The visit also aims at repositioning UNU-INRA as a strategic partner for Natural Resource governance and management and in the policy circle, critical for Africa’s growth.
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Press Release
28 April 2023
United Nations in Ghana reaffirms strong partnership with and support for the Government and people of Ghana
The Cooperation Framework signals a UN that is supporting Ghana on its WISER (Wealthy, Inclusive, Sustainable, Empowered, and Resilient) journey towards self-reliance.
The Minister of State, Ministry of Finance, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam (MP) signed for the Minister of Finance, Hon. Kenneth Ofori-Atta, on behalf of the Government of Ghana, while the UN Resident Coordinator for Ghana, Mr. Charles Abani signed for the United Nations at a ceremony hosted by the Ministry of Finance and attended by UN Heads of Agencies.
In his remarks, read on his behalf by Dr. Adam, the Minister of Finance Hon. Ofori Atta said "the signing of this Cooperation Framework... reaffirms a continuation of our strategic partnership with the UN which clearly aligns with Government's development agenda and contributes to the achievements of global and regional commitments under the 2030 and 2063 Agendas".
The UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Abani thanked the Government, partners, and key stakeholders for their contribution to the development of the Cooperation Framework which he said demonstrates the UN’s commitment to stand with Ghana on its forward-looking ambition to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs and Agenda 2063. With some 21 agencies working in Ghana, the UN family will leverage its technical expertise and financial resources to address systemic barriers, empower institutions and actors through joint programming, as well as promote strong and innovative partnerships to support Ghana attain its development priorities.
“With this new Cooperation Framework, the UN in Ghana makes a firm commitment to support Ghana achieve its ambition of self-reliant. The UN in Ghana stands in solidarity with Ghana as the country strives to recover from the massive impact of COVID-19 pandemic, the triple planetary crisis (pollution, climate change and biodiversity loss) and the impact of global crises (including the war in Ukraine that triggered a global tri-dimensional threat to food, energy and finance, among other factors.” says the UN Resident Coordinator, Charles Abani.
The Cooperation Framework, with a funding envelope of US$500 million over the three-year period has three pillars – i) inclusive economic transformation, ii) equitable access to social services and, iii) durable peace and security, with cross-cutting focus on and commitment to leaving no one behind, to fundamental and a human rights-based approach, to Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, to building resilience and sustainability, and to strengthening accountability as well as supporting Ghana on critical issues such as climate transformation, digitalization and urbanization.
A UN-Government Joint Steering Committee, co-chaired by the Minister for Finance and the UN Resident Coordinator will coordinate the implementation of the Cooperation Framework to ensure national ownership and accountability to Ghana. The Committee will monitor progress, challenges and opportunities and review the results achieved on an annual basis, make recommendations and strategic adjustments to accelerate the achievement of the targets set forth in the Cooperation Framework.
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Press Release
27 April 2023
United Nations in Ghana and Government of Ghana to sign new Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework
The Cooperation Framework, the most important instrument for planning and implementation of UN development activities in Ghana, is for a three-year period starting 2023 to 2025 and will deploy an estimated US$500 millon over the period around three key pillars of work – Inclusive Economic Transformation; Equitable Access to Services; and Durable Peace. It integrates work on key issues such as financing, the environment and climate, digitalization, urbanization, data for decision making, and strengthened partnerships across all pillars. It outlines the UN development system’s integrated contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) along with a commitment to leaving no one behind, a human rights-based approach, to Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, and to building resilience, sustainability, and to strengthening accountability.
“The process of developing this framework has been deeply participatory, inclusive and comprehensive, involving key government partners, the private sector, civil society and non-governmental organisations, youth groups and other key stakeholders. “We are grateful to all these groups, and more importantly to the Government of Ghana for walking with us throughout the process and to help us align our priorities with those of the Government and peoples of Ghana” says the UN Resident Coordinator for Ghana, Mr. Charles Abani.
The signing of the Cooperation Framework between the Government of Ghana and the United Nations will signal a new chapter of renewed and strengthened cooperation and partnership between the Government of Ghana and the United Nations Development System, involving work by 21 resident UN agencies and a host of externally-based UN entities in addition.
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