Ghana Strengthens Bilateral Ties With UNFPA

Ghana and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) have pledged to accelerate progress in universal access to sexual and reproductive health including family planning.

The will also help promote reproductive rights and reduce maternal mortality in Ghana.

The current UNFPA Ghana Country programme – CP6 (2012-2016) is aligned with the priorities of the Ghana Shared Growth and Development Agenda.

It also supports the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals, the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) programme of Action and responds to the new UNFPA strategic plan and results framework.

Dr Babatunde Osmotimehin, UNFPA Executive Director therefore appealed to the Government of Ghana to fast track the process for the incoming UNFPA Country Representative to assume office.

The UNFPA Executive Director stated this during a meeting with Ghana’s Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Nana Oye Lithur in New York.

This was during a working visit to the UNFPA Office by the Ghanaian delegation attending the 52nd Session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD52).

He said Ghana and other sub-regional countries had the same issues relating to reproductive health, maternal mortality and other related cases but “Ghana could be used as an entry point for other countries to deal with the north-south dichotomy.

Dr Osmotimehin noted that accelerating progress on ICPD agenda and the MDG 5 are inextricably linked.

“A fundamental commitment to individual dignity and human rights is the basis of a resilient and sustainable future…we cannot afford to wait another 20 years to address the inequalities plaguing our collective well-being.

“The time to act is now. Development gains should not be limited to the fortunate; they should reach all populations,” the UNFPA Executive Director stated.

Nana Oye Lithur commended UNFPA for supporting Ghana in various projects and programmes over the years notably in the women’s health, gender equality and reproductive rights, improvement in maternal health and other related fields.

She pledged the commitment of the Ministry to work with UNFPA Country Office in improving the lives of the youth and women by advocating for human rights and gender equality and promoting the understanding of population dynamics.

Ghana and UNFPA used to occasion to discuss the United Nations ICPD Beyond 2014 Global Report, MDG and other related issues.

The Minister discussions with a Finland delegation attending the international meeting .