Ghana commends UNDP for support

By Belinda Ayamgha, GNA
Accra, Aug.18, GNA - Ghana has lauded the UNDP for its phenomenal work in supporting the development of the country over the past 50 years of its operation.

Ms Hanna Tetteh, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, speaking at a ceremony to commemorate the UNDP's 50th Anniversary in Accra, described the UN agency as a dependable partner.

She said the organisation has leveraged on its global network of knowledge and experience to support Ghana in responding to the development aspirations and expectations of the citizenry.

She noted that Ghana's productive engagement with the UNDP had culminated in the establishment of key institutions like the Ghana Stock Exchange, the Ghana Commodity Exchange, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, the National Peace Council as well as the National Commission on Small Arms and the Inter-Party Advisory Committee.

Ms Tetteh said the Programme has been supporting the Ghana's democratic consolidation through various policy initiatives, advocacy, institutional reforms and capacity building.

It has also collaborated with civil society and non-governmental organisations raising public awareness on civic issues to promote accountable governance.

She said the UNDP has made prompt intervention through the 'Environmental Sustainability and Policy for Cocoa Production in Ghana project' launched in 2015 in collaboration with Ghana Cocoa Board.

It was aimed at enhancing the ecosystem and boost cocoa production by supporting capacity-building and training of farmers as well as formation of environmental clubs in schools to create needed awareness, understanding and interest in climate change and its consequences on the environment.

She also highlighted President John Dramani Mahama's tireless efforts at national, regional and international levels, as Co-Chairman of Eminent Persons Advocacy Group on the sustainable development goals, to generate momentum and commitment to the full implementation of the SDGs.

'We have also commenced work on ensuring the mainstreaming of the SDGs, the AU Agenda 2063 and other global obligations into the preparation of a 40-year long-term national development plan under the leadership of the national development planning commission,' she noted.

Mr Tegnegnework Gettu, Associate Administrator of UNDP commended Ghana's lead role in the sub-region and the continent at large.

He said Ghana has played a significant role on the global level in peace-keeping as well as contributed to the success of the fight against Ebola by offering to host the UN mission on the disease in Accra.

He said Ghana has made strides not only in terms of growth but also in poverty reduction, being one of the few sub-Saharan African countries to meet the millennium development goal of halving poverty by 2015 and pledged the UNDP's continued support.

GNA