UN, Government of Ghana Relaunch Joint Steering Committee to Advance Strategic Partnership and Accelerate SDG Progress

The United Nations in Ghana and the Government of Ghana have relaunched the Joint Steering Committee (JSC) for the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), the framework that guides collaboration between Ghana and the UN in support of national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The JSC serves as the highest joint oversight and strategic guidance platform for the design and implementation of the Cooperation Framework. Its relaunch comes as the United Nations begins developing a new Cooperation Framework for 2027–2030, which will shape the next phase of partnership with Ghana.

The Committee brings together representatives from government institutions, development partners, academia, civil society organisations, and UN entities to provide strategic direction, strengthen coordination, and ensure that UN support remains aligned with national priorities.

At the meeting, members endorsed the Terms of Reference for the Committee and the roadmap for developing the 2027–2030 Cooperation Framework, marking the beginning of the planning process for the next cycle of cooperation.

Discussions focused on how the UN can maximize its collective support to Ghana by concentrating on areas where it can provide the greatest value and contribute to national development outcomes. Participants called for stronger collaboration, greater accountability, and a focus on measurable results that improve the lives of people across the country.

Speaking at the meeting, the UN Resident Coordinator in Ghana, Zia Choudhury, described the JSC as “the highest-level platform that guides the UN’s work in Ghana. Its diversity reflects exactly what we need to advance the SDGs, bringing together expertise, institutions, and perspectives to support Ghana’s development aspirations.”

Mr. Choudhury said the new Cooperation Framework provides an opportunity to align UN support more closely with Ghana’s priorities and focus on interventions that deliver meaningful and lasting results for citizens.

Delivering remarks on behalf of the Minister of Finance, the Deputy Minister of Finance, Hon. Thomas Nyarko Ampem, stressed the importance of mobilising development finance to accelerate progress towards the SDGs. He noted the need to leverage climate finance, philanthropic capital, and private sector investment while strengthening partnerships that support Ghana’s development agenda.

He called for greater focus on outcomes that create jobs, improve livelihoods, and contribute to economic transformation, human capital development, climate resilience and food security, as well as strengthening data, accountability, and results systems to ensure that development investments deliver measurable impact. 

“Everything we do in support of national development priorities, should be anchored in strengthening national and local capacities to mobilize resources, drive ownership, and sustain development outcomes beyond external support.” He added.

The Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations drew attention to environmental challenges affecting communities, including land degradation, pollution of water bodies, and the impact of illegal mining activities. Participants noted the importance of inclusive and sustainable approaches that protect livelihoods and ensure that vulnerable populations are not left behind.

The European Union welcomed the renewed partnership and expressed support for stronger coordination between the Government of Ghana and the United Nations. The EU encouraged continued collaboration among partners to advance shared development objectives and strengthen the impact of collective efforts.

UN agencies called for the new Cooperation Framework to respond to Ghana’s evolving needs, including the priorities and aspirations of young people, particularly those engaged in the informal sector.

Participants agreed that strengthening national and local capacities, mobilising resources, and building resilient institutions will be essential to sustaining development gains and ensuring country ownership of results.

The relaunch of the Joint Steering Committee and the endorsement of the roadmap for the 2027–2030 Cooperation Framework mark an important step in strengthening cooperation between Ghana and the United Nations. The Committee will continue to guide strategic decisions, promote coordinated action, and support efforts to deliver meaningful results for the people of Ghana.