77th UN Day marked in Ghana

The commemoration of UN Day in Ghana is an annual tradition, marked with a number of activities including media engagement, Model UN, symposium and a flag-raising ceremony, led by the Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Regional Integration, Ghana.

The 77th UN Day flag-raising ceremony took place on the forecourt of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra, representing the strong relationship between Ghana and the UN. In attendance were members of the diplomatic corps, Heads of the national security services, students, Heads of UN agencies and staff of the Ministry and of the UN and relevant stakeholders.

In his statement, the UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Charles Abani echoed that “all three ingredients - Solidarity, Sustainability and Science - are essential as we address shared challenges and develop solutions for a better, more peaceful future.” The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to work together with the UN in Ghana, other development partners and stakeholders “to build a peaceful and safe world, where everyone lives a dignified, peaceful and prosperous life.”

This year’s national theme is “Building on the 3Ss - Solidarity, Sustainability and Science – towards a more resilient Ghana” coined from the 77th Session of the UN General Assembly’s slogan of “Solidarity, Sustainability, and Science”.

Earlier on 22 October, a good number of UN staff and colleagues from the Ministry turned out for a health walk organized to mark the start of the UN week. The walk was led by Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Prisons Service, Ghana Immigration Service and Ghana Police Service. The 2-hour walk was climaxed with aerobics to keep all participants fit.

A model United Nations was also organized by Life-link Friendship Schools, a local organization. The conference, held annually, seeks to empower young people while enhancing their negotiation and presentation skills. The participants deliberated on issues affecting their countries and explored lasting solutions to global crises.

The Head of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), Ms. Ifeoma Esther Charlse-Monwuba, and a Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Mrs. Joyce Asamoah-Koranteng addressed the conference participants at the opening session.

In her address, Ms. Charlse-Monwuba Ifeoma urged them to keep soaring higher and view the simulation exercise as a stepping stone to reaching higher heights.