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Press Release
13 May 2022
Global conference in Accra: Making the shift to sustainable trade
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Story
10 May 2022
5th International Conference on the Use of Space Technology for Water Resource Management Opens in Accra
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Press Release
04 May 2022
14 national trade promotion organizations shortlisted for the 2022 World Trade Promotion Organization Awards to be held in Accra
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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:
Story
02 August 2021
265 communities in Northern Ghana receive resilient water sanitation and hygiene facilities under joint UN programme
Several communities in Northern Ghana are pronounced flood prone, owing mainly to the low-lying nature of the area. Floods in this part of the country are perennial thereby increasing the vulnerability of the people in the area to infections, illness, loss of livelihoods, lack of farmlands and school closures.
Besides, access to poor water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services pose yet another key public health challenge for flood prone areas in Northern Ghana. With only about 10% of the population said to use improved sanitation facilities, and high cases of open defecation, the situation is worrisome. For the people, “issues of water and sanitation can be life threatening, especially when disaster occurs” says the Country Representative of the UNFPA, Mr. Niyi Ojuolape. Further buttressing the seriousness of the situation, Dr. Eric Moukoro, the Programme Manager, UN-Habitat , said “when it floods, the water washes the poor WASH facilities into the streams, rivers and un-elevated and poorly built hand-dug wells thereby contaminating the very source of their drinking water”, a situation that makes the people in the North susceptible to several health hazards.
To address this daunting poor sanitation menace, and support the people to build resilient WASH facilities that can prevent vulnerability to natural disaster in the area, the United Nations in Ghana, represented by four agencies, namely, UN-Habitat, UNICEF, UNDP and WHO implemented the UN Water and Sanitation in Disaster Prone Communities Programme, (WASH in DPC) targeting 265 disaster prone communities in Northern Ghana. Through the programme, approximately 300,000 people in these communities, schools and healthcare facilities have received resilient water and sanitation infrastructure and thereby allowing for their social inclusion and universal access to water and sanitation and other essential services related to disaster management with early warning mechanisms by communities and Government bodies, including the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO). The 3-year programme was funded by Global Affairs (GAC), an endorsement of Canada’s aspiration “to foster an inclusive society where everyone’s needs are met” says Mr. Eric Chimsi, Development Officer at the Canadian High Commission.
Recently, to officially close the WASH in DPC programme, the UN and implementing partners toured some beneficiary communities in the North to appreciate the extent of work and the impact of the facilities and services provided by the programme. They also interacted with some residents, many of whom say the easy access to reliable water has made their lives easier and less stressful.
Adisa Abdul Rhaman, a 28-year old mother of five says “I no longer rush home from work only to travel another distance to fetch water at the end of each day”. Beaming with smiles, Palabe Dorcas Kolan told us “Gone are the days when we used to fight at the stream over water. These days, we do not fight. All you have to do is bring your bucket to the water station, pay a little amount and fetch”.
In Ward K, the UN and partners handed over two water stations and hand washing facilities to the people at a brief ceremony. They would serve the community and be fit for purpose in times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is pleasing to note the inclusion of COVID-19 protocol behavioral change communication in the programme” says Mr. Chimsi. He further identified the strong coordination effort between the UN and implementing partners including the Government of Ghana which was significant for the successful implementation of the programme. He advised that lessons learnt from the implementation of the WASH in DPC should inform future WASH interventions. Mr. Chimsi noted that the facility management system needs to be formalized to ensure the project is sustainable.
Prior to the field visit, the UN team and partners met in the Northern regional capital, Tamale to reflect on the achievements made from the implementation of the Joint WASH in DPC programme. The meeting brought together representatives of the GAC, the UN in Ghana, Civil Society Organisations and government officials from the regional levels.
According to the Regional Environmental Health Director of the Savannah Region, Alhaji Adam Wahab, the WASH in DPC programme has imparted a lot of people and has heightened people’s understanding of the occurrence of flood and how to prepare for it even at the individual family level. He explained that the Region has also benefited a lot from the programme in terms of the training received to be able to provide technical backstopping for ensuring the construction of WASH facilities that are resilient and can stand the test of time.
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Story
17 April 2020
United Nations calls for greater protection for children in the face of COVID-19
As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads across the globe, we are seeing an alarming pattern.
The poorest and most vulnerable members of society are being hardest hit, both by the pandemic and the response.
The report urges governments and donors to prioritize education for all children.
It recommends the provision of economic assistance, including cash transfers, to low-income families and minimize disruptions to social and healthcare services for children.
It further recommends specific protection for the most vulnerable – children in conflict situations; child refugees and displaced persons; children living with disabilities and those living in slums.
In a statement, the UN Secretary-General noted that "as health services become overwhelmed, sick children are less able to access care." He added that "with the global recession gathering pace, there could be hundreds of thousands additional child deaths in 2020."
He therefore appealed to families everywhere, and leaders at all levels to protect our children.
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Publication
13 May 2022
UN Ghana Newsletter - May 2022
This edition features our coordinated humanitarian support in response to the gas explosion in Apeatse, in the Western region of Ghana; some work around the sustenance of peace and security; empowering local entrepreneurs to meet global export requirements; and joint advocacy on critical cross cutting areas such as gender, health and HIV/AIDS and a lot more of our work in the past couple of months.
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Story
21 June 2021
Climate-proof adaptation revitalizes a local economy and empowers women in Ghana
Climate change and unpredictable flooding make the river in Mframafaw periodically impassable. It is a huge problem for Madam Meliama Sulemana, a farmer, and her seven children. When it floods, Madam Meliama and her children are cut off from the nearby market where she sells her produce, and from their school.
After consultations with the local community, a culvert and a bridge are being constructed to channel the floodwaters away from the community and provide a safe access-way to local services. The construction is under the Boosting Green Employment and Enterprise Opportunities in Ghana (GrEEn) project. The GrEEn project is a four-year initiative of the European Union, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana, SNV Netherlands Development Organisation and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF). It is funded by the European Union Emergency Trust Fund (EUTF) for Africa, SNV and UNCDF. It aims at creating greater economic and employment opportunities for youth, women and returning migrants by promoting and supporting sustainable, green businesses in the Ashanti and Western Regions of Ghana; helping people like Ms Sulemana.
Mframafaw is a lowland farming community, about 25km from Offinso in the Ashanti region of Ghana. A few years ago, Ms Sulemana and her family depended on income from the farm for food and school fees for her children. She planted maize, oranges and rice. Her high hopes for the future have faded as climate change has made it difficult for her and her family to make a living or access basic services like schools and hospitals.
“The situation has gotten so bad that we leave the fruits to rot in the farms since we do not see any point in harvesting them when we know there’s no way to get them to the market” said Ms Sulemana. “In the past I used to make enough money from my farm and was even able to save but now I barely earn enough to feed my family. Without external assistance, pregnant women in this town find it impossible to access healthcare during the raining season,” she added.
Today, the GrEEn project is taking the Local Climate Adaptive Living facility to Phase II in Ghana, using LoCAL's innovative performance-based climate resilience grants, hosted by UNCDF, to channel finance to local governments for locally led adaptation actions. Activities, guided by the needs of the community, might include land regeneration, green economic investments or climate proofed infrastructure development, as in Mframafaw.
One of the benefits of the LoCAL approach is its flexibility, allowing local communities to identify their needs and collaborate in finding a climate-proof solution. Over the years, the village and local government authorities have tried to construct makeshift bridges over the river, which now breaks its banks every rainy season. The bridges are washed away whenever there is a heavy downpour. The women also tried splitting their harvest into small bundles to carry on their heads through the floodwaters, or contract local men with access to motorized tricycles to help them transport their goods. But these options proved either time consuming, hazardous and or costly. According to Ms Sulemana and other women in the community, the plans for the bridge and culvert come just in time as climate change had collapsed commercial farming activities and the village children were missing out on school. With the construction of the bridge and culvert under the GrEEn initiative, children will now find it easy to travel to school and farming activities are expected to resume.
One of the benefits of the LoCAL approach is its flexibility, allowing local communities to identify their needs and collaborate in finding a climate-proof solution. Over the years, the village and local government authorities have tried to construct makeshift bridges over the river, which now breaks its banks every rainy season. The bridges are washed away whenever there is a heavy downpour. The women also tried splitting their harvest into small bundles to carry on their heads through the floodwaters, or contract local men with access to motorized tricycles to help them transport their goods. But these options proved either time consuming, hazardous and or costly. According to Ms Sulemana and other women in the community, the plans for the bridge and culvert come just in time as climate change had collapsed commercial farming activities and the village children were missing out on school. With the construction of the bridge and culvert under the GrEEn initiative, children will now find it easy to travel to school and farming activities are expected to resume.
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Story
11 May 2022
5th International Conference on the Use of Space Technology for Water Resource Management Opens in Accra
“Water related issues remain at the forefront of inequality, poverty and health challenges globally. The implications of unequal access to water and sanitation resources have also strongly manifested themselves during the pandemic. It exposed the vulnerabilities of communities living in more distressed areas, further exacerbating existing gaps and hardships. It is symbolic that the conference is taking place in Sub-Saharan Africa where the needs are dire.”- Niklas Hedman, Acting Director, United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) made these remarks at the 5TH International Conference on the use of Space Technology for Water Resource Management (ISTA-WRM) taking place in Accra.
Space technology is playing a growing role in water resource management. From monitoring floods to assessing drought risks, satellite data has become an indispensable tool for meteorologists, hydrologists, and water managers. The 5TH ISTA-WRM is co-jointly organized by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), the Government of Ghana, and the Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water (PSIPW). The 4-day conference is to promote the use of space technology in water management to the benefit of developing countries. It is being hosted by the University of Energy and Natural Resources UENR) on behalf of the Government of Ghana.
In his welcome remarks at the high-level opening of the conference, Professor Elvis Asare-Bediako, Vice Chancellor at the UENR, cautioned that the degeneration of our water bodies through human activities such as illegal mining is detrimental to our livelihoods and the lives of our industries. He expressed the urgency to sustainably manage our water resources.
H.E. Ramses Joseph Cleland, Acting Chief Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration noted, “with less than a decade to achieve the SDGs, Ghana is pleased to contribute to ambitious global efforts such as hosting this conference, where governments, civil societies, and businesses convene to deliberate and determine how best to forge partnerships and blueprints towards the implementation of these goals.” Stating further, he said, “today, I can confidently say that great progress has been made in the pursuit of our goals, particularly, SDGs 6 and 17 through the use of space science and technology.”
The Minister of Education, Hon. Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum said there is the need to improve Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education to encourage more youth to be involved in science and technology. This, he believes, would encourage more African youth to contribute actively to the promotion of space technology, stating that “the time for Africans to be observers is over.”
The 5th ISTA-WRM aims to promote the application of space technology in water management to help developing countries, in particular those in Sub-Saharan Africa, to harness space-based solutions to address their water-related needs. Experts and practitioners from academia, government, and industry will share cutting-edge space-based solutions for water resources management.
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Story
25 April 2022
Training to enhance experts’ capacities and capabilities to manage, investigate, and negotiate offences of kidnap for ramson underway in Accra
In recent years, there has been a growing concern of Member States representatives and counter-terrorism officials over the limited capacities of several countries, especially fragile and conflict-affected States, to enable their respective criminal justice, law enforcement institutions and security services to effectively prevent, manage and investigate kidnap cases using modern, proven methods, technologies and techniques. Responding to these concerns, the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) launched the United Nations Manual of Guidance for Countering Kidnapping and Extortion in 2021 to contribute to the multilateral efforts to have a more secure and prosperous world safe from terrorism.
In this same light, the UNOCT in collaboration with the National Crime Agency of the United Kingdom (NCA) and the Federal Office of Police, Switzerland (Swiss FedPol) has launched a three-week training session to train thirty-five participants from Ghana, Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, Benin and Togo on counter kidnap under the Kidnap for Ransom Project (KFR) at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC). The training is being delivered by expert trainers from the NCA and Swiss FedPol through a collection of coordinated courses. In attendance are lead investigators, judicial police negotiators, experts from the NCA, United Kingdom, and Federal Police, Switzerland.
The British High Commissioner to Ghana, Harriet Thompson said: “Kidnap for ransom causes untold misery and has a life-changing impact on victims and their families. Through this new training, the UK is proud to work and learn alongside our partners both here in Ghana and across West Africa to truly stamp out this dreadful crime.”
The Head of the UK National Crime Agency’s anti-kidnap and extortion unit, Mr. John Coles said: “We are very proud to bring our expertise to the UN’s updated manual and provide training to international partners. This forms part of the UK government’s long-term investment in the region.”
In his opening remarks, Mr. Tim Segessemann, Attache, Embassy of Switzerland in Ghana noted, “We are all too well aware that political fragility and armed conflicts in the region are on the rise. It is no news, either, that the presence of armed groups, and their links to international terrorism, presents a threat also to the coastal states of West Africa.”
Speaking to the media, a Senior Officer of the UK National Crime Agency’s anti-kidnap and extortion unit, Mr. John Branney noted that this is a learning session for all participants and trainers as well. He said this training will equip participants with the skills and knowledge to effectively handle issues of kidnapping related and security issues in the sub-region.
The expected outcomes of these training sessions are to build the capacities of Member States to prevent, investigate and negotiate offences of kidnap for ransom through legal institutional and operational technical assistance. Additionally, it aims at raising awareness of ways to support victims of kidnapping and making the voices of victims heard.
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Story
20 April 2022
Vice President of Costa Rica and the UN Under Secretary-General’s Champion of People of African Descent Agenda Arrive in Ghana
The UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Dr. Natalia Kanem and the Vice President of Costa Rica, H.E Epsy Campbell Barr have arrived in Ghana for a high-level forum on advancing the right of People of African Descent ahead of this year’s International Day for People of Africa Descent.
Their visit to Ghana, termed The Return Mission, is a global representation of the significance of advancing equity for, and enhancing inclusion and the wellbeing of People of African Descent.
In a media briefing on arrival, Dr. Natalia Kanem who is the UN Secretary-General's Champion to further the agenda of people of African heritage, said the forum will unearth the beauty of the linkages between the African Diaspora and the home continent. She acknowledged that statistics continue to prove that People of African Descent are rising to claim their rights, but more needs to be done to ensure no one is left behind.
H.E. Epsy Campbell Barr said her government and Ghana will work together with the UN in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean to intensify calls for the rights of People of African Descent, girls and women, and advance culture and history.
In a press release issued by the UNFPA Ghana office, the delegation is expected to call on the Vice-President of the Republic of Ghana and visit some historic and cultural sites in the country.
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Story
19 April 2022
Noncommunicable Diseases and the SDGs – Actionable Steps Required to Prevent and Control the Surge
In 2007, Christopher was a young man in school with a dream. His mother, a single parent, was the breadwinner for the family. Life was ‘normal’ until he started experiencing some health problems. “I encountered difficulty walking for no reason,” he explained. Accessing the right health care was near impossible due to lack of funds. “The health centres I went to did not know what the problem was. It took nine years before I was finally diagnosed and now, I find myself in a wheel chair”.
Speaking at the National Roundtable on Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) held in Accra, Ghana recently, Christopher said he was sharing his story and speaking “on behalf of many people out there who cannot afford the cost of health care and end up with debilitating diseases such as NCDs.
NCDs are cardiovascular diseases (such as heart attacks and stroke), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma) and diabetes. The prevalence of these diseases and their risk factors have increased over time, killing 41 million people each year, equivalent to 71% of all deaths globally, and occurring mainly among people aged between 30 and 70 years. According to available data, NCD deaths are currently affecting people below 50 years, the productive population in many societies. Dr. Barnabas Kwame Yeboah, Director of Nursing and Midwifery at the Ministry of Health said this is alarming as it impacts negatively on the socio-economic fabric of every society.
The good thing is that most NCDs-related deaths can be avoided or delayed.
To forge ahead a common global agenda to prevent and control NCDs, and tackle the challenges that come with the increasing prevalence of NCDs, the World Health Organisation (WHO) convened an international strategic dialogue on NCDs and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The event, held in Accra, was co-hosted by the Governments of Ghana and Norway, and was attended by several heads of states, first ladies, the private sector, government and development partners and health practitioners across the world.
The in-person and virtual dialogue was preceded by a National Strategic Roundtable on NCDs under the theme prioritizing NCDs in the Context of Achieving Universal Health Coverage and SDGs through Partnership. Speakers after speakers at the national roundtable shared disturbing statistics and harrowing experiences of the situation in Ghana, where 86,000 people die every year from NCDs; where people like Christopher struggle to afford and access treatment and medicines for their conditions.
To show its leadership and preparedness to walk the talk to prevent and control NCDs, Ghana launched its Policy and Strategic Plan on NCDs (2022-2026), as well as the Norwegian Agency for Development Corporation (NORAD) Kente Project. Both Policy and Strategic Plan seek to strengthen the health system for NCD prevention and control, reduce exposure to NCD risk factors, strengthen multisectoral collaboration and ensure sustainable funding mechanisms for the control of NCDs. The Kente Project aims to strengthen the delivery of basic NCDs services in the country and will be implemented by the Ministry of Health.
The WHO Africa Regional Director, Dr Matshidiso Moeti highlighted three key areas for the successful implementation of Ghana’s NCD Strategy and Plan - addressing determinants and NCD risk factors, ensuring multisectoral action and ensuring a people-centre approach towards NCDs prevention and control.
The Minister for Health, Hon. Kwaku Agyeman-Manu said, the strategic implementation of these documents and projects will promote collective efforts and partnership in reversing the grim national epidemiological profile on NCDs for a better quality of life for all people living in the country.
The Ambassador of Norway to Ghana, H.E Ingrid Mollestad said the roundtable and dialogue provide high-level visibility to the urgency to address NCDs in the world. She commended Ghana for standing by Norway to ensure no one is left behind towards the achievement of the SDGs.
At the International Strategic Dialogue session, Heads of State underlined the severe impacts of NCDs. The President of Ghana H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo appealed to colleague Heads of State to collaborate in establishing the Presidential Group to find solutions to NCDs with a roadmap of universal health coverage and the SDGs.
H.E Jonas Gahr Støre, Prime Minister of Norway said, investing in stronger health systems, service delivery and the prevention of NCDs make vulnerable populations more resilient to COVID-19 and future pandemics.
The Director-General of the WHO, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus focused on the heavy impacts of NCDs on economies and thanked Ghana and Norway for their technical, financial and political commitment to overcoming NCDs.
At the end of the international dialogue, the International Group of Heads of State and Government on the Prevention and Control of NCDs (NCD Presidential Group) was launched to accelerate the implementation of the commitments included in the relevant resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly and to provide strategic leadership for the prevention and control of NCDs by promoting greater policy coherence and coordination through whole-of-government and health-in-all-policies approaches and by engaging stakeholders in an appropriate, coordinated, comprehensive and integrated, bold whole-of-society action and response. The International Group of Heads of State and Government, which is a voluntary group, will meet annually on the occasion of the high-level general debate of the UN General Assembly. The President of Ghana will chair the first meeting of the Group, which will take place in September 2022 in New York on the occasion of the high-level General Debate of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly and annually thereafter. Also launched was an International NCD Compact 2022-2030 aimed at driving awareness and action towards achieving SDG 3.4 and 3.8.
These events and the relevant documents and outputs have no doubt raised the profile of the NCD agenda within the SDGs. They represent the collective commitment of the international community, including the leadership of Ghana, to do everything possible to prevent and control NCDs and give people like Christopher hope for a better future.
As reiterated by the First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Rebecca Akufo-Addo, what we need is “actionable steps to control and manage NCDs in Africa.”
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23 March 2022
First-ever Kofi Annan Road Safety Awards Held in Ghana
The Secretariat of the United-Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Road Safety, the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), and the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Ghana, with the support of the Kofi Annan Foundation, have launched the first-ever Kofi Annan Road Safety Award in Accra, Ghana.
Ghana was honoured with the award of Excellence in the implementation of the Africa Road Safety Action Plan. South Africa received the award of Leadership in Mobilising Resources for Road Safety, while Nigeria received the Excellence in Road Safety Management award. The Leadership in Road Safety Data Management and the Leadership in the Ratification of the Africa Road Safety Charter awards went to the Kingdom of Morocco and Namibia respectively.
The Award, named after the late United Nations Secretary-General and founder of the Kofi Annan Foundation, Kofi Annan in recognition of his contribution to the area of road safety “is to raise awareness about road safety and to motivate key stakeholders - government, the private sector, and civil society organizations to develop and implement innovations to save lives on African roads”. Mr. Annan brought the issue of Road Safety and Road Traffic Victims to the United Nations agenda at the beginning of the 2000s.
In his keynote address, the President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo said, the government of Ghana remains committed to undertaking innovative initiatives and building partnerships that would help engineer improvements on Ghana’s roads. He noted that the Award ceremony comes at an opportune time as countries worldwide are transitioning into the new decade of action for road safety. He added his voice for creative and proactive initiatives to arrest the negative impacts of road accidents on our raods.
For her part, the United Nations Under Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the ECA, H.E. Dr. Vera Songwe said road safety is both a national interest and an international interest, and as such should be considered a collective interest. She appealed to the African Union to pass a resolution that demands that only used cars that pass the road worthy test at home of origin should be permitted into Africa. She consequently appealed to President Akufo-Addo to help sponsor a bill that would allow for testing as one of the conditions in countries of origin for export.
The UN Secretary-General Special Envoy on Road Safety, H.E. Jean Todt, acknowledged the considerable progress that has been made globally to ensure road safety. He added that, “we still have a lot to do to realize the vision of Kofi Annan”. Mr. Todt later presented a helmet to President Akufo-Addo as a symbolic gesture to serve as a road safety champion.
The hybrid ceremony attracted several representatives from the Government of Ghana, the United Nations, the diplomatic community and other key stakeholders groups from the African continent.
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Press Release
13 May 2022
Global conference in Accra: Making the shift to sustainable trade
The 2022 World Trade Promotion Conference (WTPO) will be hosted by the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) and the International Trade Centre (ITC), a development agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization that connects small business to global markets. It brings together 200 leaders of national trade promotion organizations from around the world.
In a press release issued today, the Executive Director of ITC, Pamela Coke-Hamilton, said "Good trade can drive socio-economic recovery that is inclusive and sustainable", adding that "Trade promotion organizations can make all the difference in helping companies achieve good trade. They must help businesses to mitigate risks and embrace opportunities of a green transition. They must help women, youth and vulnerable groups join global value chains, and overcome systemic barriers that keep them from developing their businesses for export."
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Press Release
04 May 2022
14 national trade promotion organizations shortlisted for the 2022 World Trade Promotion Organization Awards to be held in Accra
The organizations are competing in three categories: best use of a partnership; best use of information technology; and best initiative to ensure that trade is inclusive and sustainable. The winners will be announced at the 13th WTPO Conference in Accra, Ghana on 17 May.
The WTPO Awards are open to all national trade promotion organizations. They recognize excellence in providing trade support to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to become competitive in international markets.
The Awards jury is comprised of national trade promotion leaders from the previous award winners and is chaired by ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton.
“At a time when small firms have been hit hard by supply chain disruptions, climate change crises and other socio-economic challenges, it is important to share inspiring models that connect small firms to trade opportunities that are inclusive and sustainable,” said Ms. Coke-Hamilton. “The initiatives of these national trade promotion organizations point the way.” Read more.
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Press Release
20 April 2022
The Return Mission: Ghana to host a high-level delegation to advance equity for People of African Descent
Centred on the theme, "People of African Descent: Accelerating the Commitment for Recognition, Advancement of Rights, Justice and Development" the meeting is aimed at promoting dialogue and advocacy on thematic areas that would enhance inclusion and the wellbeing of People of African Descent. The forum which will be held on Friday, 22nd April 2022 precedes this year’s International Day for People of African Descent which will be observed on 31st August 2022.
The inaugural celebration of International Day for People of African Descent was hosted by the Government of Costa Rica in San Jose in August 2021. This followed a resolution adopted by the United Nations based on a proposal by Costa Rica to observe the day in recognition of the history, legacy and contributions of the African diaspora worldwide.
UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres described the day as "a celebration of the enormous contributions of people of African descent to every field of human endeavour," and "a long overdue recognition of the profound injustices and systemic discrimination that people of African descent have endured for centuries and continue to confront today."
The historic relationship Ghana shares with the African diaspora is significant, considering its central involvement in the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. This history, coupled with the recent ‘Year of Return’ and ‘Beyond the Return’ initiative by the Government of Ghana has positioned Ghana as a vital entry-point for Africans in the diaspora.
Visiting historic and cultural sites
To provide an experience of touristic sites that are indispensable to the history of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, the delegation will visit the Elmina Castle, Assin Manso Slave Market and Slave River Park.
Dr Natalia Kanem, UNFPA’s Executive Director is the UN Secretary-General's Champion to further the agenda of people of African heritage. While in Ghana, she is also expected to engage with traditional leaders by paying a courtesy call to the King of Akwamu, His Royal Majesty Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III.
Highlights of the upcoming events scheduled between 19th and 23rd April 2022 include: A High-level Forum on People of African Descent; a courtesy call to the President and the Vice-President of the Republic of Ghana and field visit to assess Nana Afrakuma II’s Vocational Institute for Adolescent Mothers in Akwamu.
For more information, contact: Doris Mawuse Aglobitse : (aglobitse@unfpa.org; +233(0) 202424666
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Press Release
23 March 2022
Financing Climate Resilient Infrastructure in Ghana to Safeguard Physical and Institutional Components of Ghana’s Infrastructure System
A new report outlining Ghana’s current and future needs for climate change adaptation, co-written by UNOPS, will be launched in Accra on 24 March 2022. The Report, “Ghana: Roadmap for Resilient and Infrastructure in a Changing Climate” provides Ghana with a resilient infrastructure roadmap to help build a sustainable, inclusive and resilient infrastructure such as power distribution lines, homes, roads and drains. Read more.
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Press Release
14 March 2022
Ghana to host first-ever Kofi Annan Road Safety Award
When it comes to road accidents, Africa pays the heaviest price with the world's highest fatality rate of 26.6 road deaths per 100,000 population compared to the world average of 17.5 per 100,000 and 9.3 per 100,000 in Europe (WHO).
A child in Africa is twice as likely to die on the road than a child in any other part of the world. It is, therefore, crucial to redouble efforts on the African continent. The UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Road Safety, Mr. Jean Todt, proclaims that "Increasing effective actions to stop the carnage on African roads is imperative if we are to achieve the new Decade of Action for Road Safety, aiming to halve the road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030. It is arguably the most affected region on the planet."
Ghana is among the countries that report a high prevalence of road traffic deaths, with 24.9 per 100,000 inhabitants (WHO 2016). Nearly 2,000 lives are lost in the country each year due to crashes - and pedestrians are particularly at risk. Read More.
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