Ghana, and other government officials
UN in Ghana and the Ghanaian government have signed the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) agreement.
The Cooperation Framework is the most significant instrument for planning and implementing UN development activities in Ghana, and it will span a three-year period beginning in 2023 and ending in 2025.
The UN Resident Coordinator and the UN Heads of Agencies were present at the signing ceremony between the UN in Ghana and the Ministry of Finance, which took place in Accra on Friday, April 28.
Over the course of the period, the framework will allocate an estimated $500 million to three main pillars of work: Inclusive Economic Transformation, Equitable Access to Services, and Durable Peace. In addition, it will incorporate work on key issues including financing, the environment and climate, digitalization, urbanization, data for decision making, and strengthened partnerships across all pillars.
A commitment to leaving no one behind, a human rights-based approach to gender equality and women's empowerment, and to building resilience, sustainability, and strengthening accountability are also outlined.
Thought-through
During the signing ceremony, Charles Abani, the UN Resident Coordinator for Ghana, stated that the process of developing this framework had been highly inclusive, participatory, and all-encompassing, involving key government partners, the private sector, civil society and non-governmental organizations, youth groups, and other key stakeholders.
Mr. Abani stated, "We are grateful to all of these groups, and most importantly the Government of Ghana, for walking with us throughout the process and helping us to align our priorities with those of the Government and the people of Ghana."
He stated that the signed Cooperation Framework between the Government of Ghana and the United Nations would signal a new chapter of renewed and strengthened cooperation and partnership between the Government of Ghana and the United Nations Development System, involving the work of 21 resident UN agencies and a host of other UN entities based outside of Ghana.
bilateral alliance
A Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, stated that the signature of the Cooperation Framework between the Government of Ghana and the United Nations will mark the beginning of a new era of renewed and strengthened cooperation.
"Permit me to take this opportunity to thank the United Nations and all Development Partners for your continued support as we work to return to a Sustainable Economic Path," he said.
The signing of this Cooperation Framework entails a total grant budget of $517 million, he noted, adding that "it reaffirms our strategic partnership with the United Nations to contribute to the achievement of global and regional commitments under the 2030 and 2063 Agendas."
During the next three years, it will focus on inclusive, resilient, and sustainable economic growth and transformation; accessible, equitable, inclusive, and sustainable quality essential social services; and lasting peace and security in Ghana and the subregion.
Dr. Amin Adam reaffirmed the relationship and cooperation between Ghana and the United Nations, emphasizing that "it is essential for the welfare of Ghanaians."
"I am confident that with our concerted efforts, this Cooperation Framework Agreement we are about to sign will deliver the benefits it promises," he added.