Minister Commends GUNA….For Successful 42nd National Congress

The Minister for the Greater Accra Region, Hon. Nii Laryea Afotey Agbo, has commended the leadership and the entire membership of the Ghana United Nations Association (GUNA), under the leadership of Mr. Peter Tenganaba Nanfuri (former IGP, BNI boss and Member of the Council of State) for peacefully and successfully conducting its 42nd National Congress without any hitches.

He made this approbation at the GUNA’s 42nd National Congress held at the new conference hall of the Ghana National Association Teachers’ Hall in Accra on Saturday December 5, 2015.

Gracing the occasion were the UN Resident Coordinator in Ghana- Mrs. Christine Evans Klock, a representative of the National Chief Imam- Sheikh Alhaji Shaributu Ahmed, the Tema Metro Chief Imam, a representative of the Ghana Police Services, A.S.P Benefo Darkwah, Mr. Peter Nanfuri, chiefs and queen mothers from the various traditional councils.

Other Participants were lecturers, students from the various secondary and tertiary institutions, GUNA executives and members from the various regions of Ghana, among other special guests. The occasion was chaired by the Paramount Chief of Ofankor- traditional area, Alhaji Mohammed Issa.

The Congress, which was held on the theme; “Peace, The Most Essential Commodity For National Development- The Role of The Ghana United Nations And Other Civil Society Networks”, was conducted and supervised by the Electoral Commission of Ghana.

It was held to officially elect, appoint and confirm new national Executive Committee Members, Board of Directors, and the Board of Trustees to help enhance the good and effective work of the organization in the country in terms of peace and development.

In a speech delivered on his behalf by his Deputy- Hon. Nii D. Vanderpuge, the Minister, established that the United Nations (UN), as a global arbiter for peace and an instrument for the conduct of global security and understanding, has the obligation to ensure that its aims and objectives, as well as its challenges are known to a wider section of the global population through its branches.

He unearthed that it was as a result of this that necessitated the formation of the World Federation of the United Nations Association (WFUNA) with the view of making it a people’s movement for the UN to rally support for the world body.

He further disclosed that it was the upsurge of nationalism in Ghana, and later the entire Africa Continent that begot the Ghana United Nations Association in the mid 50s as an offshoot of the UN, as the people of Ghana struggled for peace, human rights, democracy, and fundamental freedom.

The Minister, recorded that Ghana has a history of peaceful democratic transitions arguably unparalleled in the Sub-Sahara which needs to be promoted and maintained.

He applauded the GUNA for its tireless efforts and contribution towards the promotion and maintenance of peace in the country since its formation.

He urged the organization towards greater achievements in its core aims and objectives, emphasizing that there could not be any form of development in any form without peace.

The Minister, finally charged the newly elected executives and the members of the boards of directors and trustees to embrace hard work and selflessness as they assure their new offices to help achieve the core aims of the GUNA, and to help make Ghana a better place for both today and generations to come.

Names and positions of the newly elected officers are as follows; National President- Mr. Peter Nanfuri, 1^st Vice- Lawyer Mrs. Irene Abochie-Nyahe, 2^nd Vice- Lawyer Kwasi C. Bismark, with Mr. Christian Pardie as the new Secretary General, and Miss Peace Kondo as the new Secretary General of GUNA.

Others including; Mr. Seth Konadu, National Projects Officer, Rev. Daniel Boli, Dept. National Secretary-Projects, with Mr. Charles Nkrumah as the National President for Youth Affairs, and Samuel T. Ojo as his Secretary.

Also, the National Secretary for Research and Education is Mr. Prince Ohene Boakye Yeadom, with Edmund Ato Aidoo- Nyanor as his secretary, and Raphael Owurani-Bediako as the National Treasurer. Other executives including; Mr. Felix Ahiafor, Dept. National Treasurer, Mr. Samuel Kodzo Senyo, National Organizer, Rev. Samuel Laud Kumi, National Publicity Officer, and Mr. Collins Boateng as the Dept. National Publicity Officer.

Some members of the Board of Directors and Trustees were; Alhaji Adam Abubakar- Tema Mtro Chief Imam, Madam Monica Elizabeth Anderson, Awo Adwoa Amene I, queen mother of Aburi Adonteng, Alhaji Mohammed Issa- Chief of Ofankor Traditional Area, Nana Apeadu Bediako II, the Sanaahene of Akwapem T\C, and Nana Akua Asamoabea I, the Tufu Hembea Bretuo of Aburi Akwapem.

Other members were; Dr. Boniface Gebe, Leacturer and Int’l Ralations Consultant-UoG, Legon, and Mr. Roger Kenaku, an Educationist, Miss Judith Offeibea, also an Educationist, Mr. Emmanuel Zonyrah, a proprietor, and finally, Ex W.O 1 Anas, a Medical Practitioner.