Government has signed a cooperation agreement worth US$517million with the United Nations (UN) to improve the country’s development over the next three years.
The cooperation framework aims to align with government’s development agenda and contribute to achieving global and regional commitments under the 2030 Sustainable Goals and 2063 Africa Union agenda.
The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Finance in Accra, with Dr. Amin Adams – deputy Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance, signing the agreement on behalf of government. Charles Abani, the UN Resident Coordinator in Ghana, signed on behalf of his outfit.
“This cooperation framework, the most important instrument for planning and implementation of UN development activities in Ghana, outlines our integrated contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Ghana’s development priorities,” said Mr. Abani.
The framework identifies three key areas of focus: (a) inclusive, resilient and sustainable economic growth and transformation; (b) accessible, equitable, inclusive, sustainable quality basic social services; and (c) durable peace and security in Ghana and the sub-region.
“Inclusive, resilient and sustainable economic growth and transformation aligns with our transformational agenda of moving to an export-led economy by leveraging on trade,” said Dr. Adams in his speech.
“We welcome initiatives of the UN system on SDGs financing in areas such as the Integrated National Financing Frameworks, and call upon the UN to support our need for technical assistance and capacity building in investment promotion and developing project pipelines and bankable projects,” he added.
The Ghanaian government is looking for alternative sources of financial resources which will not affect its fiscal position negatively. “Green and sustainable financing is one of the options. We wish to call on the UN system to leverage its Global Compact on Sustainable Financing to support the country’s effort of tapping into climate financing options,” Dr. Adams said.
The agreement’s priority is to leave no one behind; promote human rights and gender equality; achieve the SDGs; address climate and the environment, digitalisation, urbanisation and data; and regional dynamics impacting migration and other human movements.
“The implementation of this cooperation framework will be guided by, and be accountable to, a UN-Government Joint Steering Committee co-chaired by the Minister for Finance and UN Resident Coordinator. The steering committee will ensure national ownership and monitor progress, challenges and opportunities,” said Abani.
This agreement shows the UN’s commitment to standing with Ghana as the country aims to accelerate achievement of the SDGs and agenda 2063. Ghana is viewed as a leader among its peers in addressing and resolving challenges around its development.
