UNFPA Executive Director calls on Professor Sai

Accra, Feb. 14, GNA - Dr Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Under-Secretary General of the United Nations has said it is important for countries to discuss issues of family planning on a regular basis.

He said at every point in time there must be an opportunity to speak to issues of family planning so that the youthful population would make choices about their family sizes, for the demographic dividend it be achieved.

The demographic dividend would not happen without putting in place aggressive family planning measures to change the structure of the population, reduce considerably and ensure that people make choices about their family sizes.

Dr Osotimehin said this when he paid a courtesy call on Professor Fred Sai as part of activities lined up for his three-day working visit to Ghana.

He said sustainability only comes from sustainable development and this cannot be achieved without assuring that all women and men, boys and girls, enjoy the dignity and human rights to expand their capabilities.

He said his visit would not have been complete if he did not meet Prof Sai to express his appreciation for the hard work, commitment and continuous support he had made towards the development of Ghana and Africa.

'The UNFPA fully recognizes your efforts and would continue to appreciate you at every opportunity given to discuss issues of demographic dividend.'

Professor Fred Sai thanked him for the recognition, saying 'your visit means a lot to us locally'.

He said education of women and women emancipation has been a major challenge and is something that can be revitalized for the people of the continent.

Professor Sai pledged his support to provide the needed support and ideas to make the continent a better place, adding that it is also important to recognize and appreciate examples that others have made.

GNA