UN Commended For Appointing President Mahama As Co-Chair Of Eminent Persons To Champion The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS)

Global Media Foundation (GLOMEF), human rights and anti-corruption media advocacy organsation working in Ghana has commended UN Secretary General for appointing President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana and the Prime Minister of Norway, Ms. Erna Solberg, as Co-Chairs of a group of 16 eminent persons to champion the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Founder/CEO of Global Media Foundation, Raphael Godlove Ahenu Jnr, who gave the commendation at a media briefing in Sunyani, also congratulated President Mahama for his appointment.

It would be recalled that United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon this early week announced the appointment the group of 16 eminent Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) advocates to support the Secretary-General efforts in achieving the SDGs by 2030

They are to support the Secretary-General in his efforts to generate momentum and commitment to achieve the SDGs by 2030.

World leaders at the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit on 25 September last year adopted the SDGs which represents a commitment by all nations to work together to end poverty, achieve shared prosperity, build peace, and secure a life of dignity and a healthy planet for present and future generations

He was of the opinion that his appointment is in the right direction, saying as a civil society leader and politician who has vast experience in advocacy. Mr. Ahenu added that President Mahama could have the chance of using his position to lobby for the effective and efficient implementation of the SDGs in Poor, Developing and Low middle income countries like Ghana.

Mr. Ahenu recalled that the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that just ended was affected by inadequate funds for effective implementation.

The CEO therefore entreated President Mahama to ensure that the UN and other donor partners make available the needed resources for the effective implementation of the SDGs.

He noted that they can have very nice SDGs on paper, but it can only transform the lives of the people when it is properly implemented.

On effective implementation in Ghana, Mr. Ahenu urged President Mahama to engage civil society in the implementation of the SDGs as it was done in the implementation of the 40 years Development Plan.

He urged civil society in Ghana and Africa as a whole to participate fully in the implementation of the SDGs and equally put pressure on the leaders to ensure its effective implementation.

According to Mr. Ahenu the proper implementation of the SDGs will ensure quality education, good drinking water and sanitation among others in the country.