The 73rd United Nations General Assembly President, Her Excellency Maria Fernanda Garces has commended Government’s support to the United Nations over the years.
President Garces who is in Ghana expressed her excitement saying her visit is aimed at fostering a closer relationship between the United Nations and Ghana.
Speaking at the Foreign Affairs Ministry as part of her four-day tour of some West Africa countries, President Garces called on Government to continually raise awareness on key issues such as tackling climate change, terrorism and building an effective parliamentary system.
President Garces is expected to also meet the leadership of Ghana’s Parliament on helping to build the political will of Ghanaians to address issues bordering on peace and security as well as strengthening social protection systems.
“I am here to further strengthen the ties between Ghana and the United Nations. I also seek to raise awareness on the importance of multi-lateralism and the UN in addressing major global challenges from climate change to nuclear proliferation to sustainable development to terrorism to International migration.”
“I am also here to address the role of Parliament in the role they can play in helping to build the political will of the people for the implementation of the global responses needed to tackle climate change to maintain peace and security. And to address the changing nature of work while at the same time strengthening social protection systems and reducing inequalities in order to achieve the sustainable development goals,” President Maria said.
Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey commended President Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces’ for her role in championing gender equality during her tenure as the President of the United Nations General Assembly.
Ayorkor Botchwey on behalf of Government thanked President Garces’ for making Ghana a priority destination during her 4-day tour to some selected Western African countries.
Ayorkor Botchwey explained that the Government of Ghana is committed towards working to achieve the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals.
She lauded government’s flagship free Senior High School, one-district one-factory, one-village, one-dam policies as evidence of government’s commitment towards improving the livelihoods of Ghanaians.
“Our country has an enviable record in all aspects of the work of the United Nations, particularly within the three key pillars of peace and security, sustainable development and human rights. As a country, we have chalked some key achievement particularly in the implementation of the sustainable developmennt goals what we have down towards poverty reduction and other social intervention. The Free Senior High School comes to mind, also 1 district, 1 factory and the Free senior high school policy.”
President Maria Garces is expected to pay a courtesy call on President Nana Akufo-Addo as well as other Ministers of State.
Other engagements include a honorary visit to Manhyia Palace in Kumasi where she would call on the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
She also expected to visit the Cape Coast Castle in honour of “The Year of Return.”