Ghana Celebrates 80 Years of the United Nations with Flag-Raising Ceremony and Renewed Commitment to Global Solidarity

Ghana marked the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations with a solemn flag-raising ceremony at the Forecourt of the State House, reaffirming its enduring commitment to multilateralism, peace, and inclusive development. The event brought together senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional leaders, youth representatives, and development partners in a powerful display of unity and shared purpose.

A Legacy of Cooperation and Courage

Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa reflected on the theme, “UN@80: Ghana and the UN – Shared Responsibility for a Better Tomorrow.” He described the UN as “a beacon of hope and international cooperation,” and praised its role in shaping Ghana’s development journey through partnerships with agencies such as UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA, WHO, FAO, and UNESCO.

Hon. Ablakwa also highlighted Ghana’s recent endorsement of the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, reaffirming the country’s commitment to safeguarding those who risk their lives to serve others. He echoed President John Dramani Mahama’s call for reform at the UN General Assembly, urging for Africa’s permanent representation on the Security Council. “If we are truly to share responsibility for a better tomorrow,” he said, “then our international institutions must reflect today’s global realities.”

The UN: A Living Promise

UN Resident Coordinator H.E. Zia Choudhury offered a stirring reflection on the UN’s founding and its continued relevance. “The United Nations was created by the people, for the people — for you, for me, for all of us,” he said. He outlined the UN’s global impact, from assisting over 139 million displaced people to vaccinating nearly half the world’s children and deploying more than 60,000 peacekeepers.

Choudhury praised Ghana’s leadership on the global stage and commended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ad-hoc Planning Committee for organizing the commemorative events. “Ghana stands tall among nations, speaking boldly and with conviction, even in times of global uncertainty,” he noted.

He also invoked the aspirations of everyday Ghanaians, from market women in Nima to schoolchildren in Bolgatanga, as a reminder that sustainable development must be people-centered and inclusive. “Together,” he said, “we can meet the aspirations of every citizen and build a world where peace and dignity are not privileges, but rights.”

Youth Leadership and the Spirit of Kofi Annan

Mr. Ampah Kuuku Agyensaim, representing Ghana’s youth, delivered a heartfelt tribute to the legacy of the UN and the power of young leadership. “Today, as we raise the blue flag of the United Nations, we are celebrating 80 years of hope, of shared humanity, and of the belief that nations can work together for peace, justice, and dignity for all,” he said.

Standing in the footsteps of Kofi Annan, Ghana’s own former UN Secretary-General, Agyensaim invoked Annan’s words: “You are never too young to lead, and never too old to learn.” He praised young people across Ghana for redefining leadership through innovation, advocacy, and unity.

“Even as we celebrate, we must reflect,” he added. “The UN was not created to be perfect, it was created to be perseverant. To remind humanity that even in uncertainty, dialogue must never cease, and hope must never die.”

Flag-raising

Both the UN and Ghana flags were hoisted to symbolize the strength of their partnership and a shared commitment to the principles of the UN Charter.

An exhibition highlighting the longstanding partnership between Ghana and the United Nations was mounted as part of the commemorative activities.

The gathering paused for one minute of silence to pay tribute to the memory of the late former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings.

As Ghana joins the world in commemorating this milestone, the message was clear: the future must be built together, with courage, compassion, and collective resolve.