THE RESIDENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (UNDP) TO GHANA, MR. NILOY BANERJEE, PAYS A COURTESY CALL ON THE MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS, HON. SAMUEL OKUDZETO ABLAKWA (MP)
HENRY GERCHI
Accra, Ghana“ The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP), on Monday, March 3, 2025, hosted the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to Ghana, Mr. Niloy Banerjee, at the ministry.
During the meeting, Mr. Banerjee expressed his enthusiasm for serving in Ghana, particularly during a period of transition. He highlighted key sectors in which the UNDP is actively engaged, including energy transition, gender equality, climate change, and digital transformation.
Drawing from his previous experiences, Mr. Banerjee emphasized the potential for South-South cooperation between Ghana and other developing nations. He urged for greater collaboration to harness these opportunities for sustainable development.
He also provided updates on ongoing UNDP initiatives, notably the Atlantic Corridor Project, designed to prevent and counter violent extremism along the Atlantic Corridor. He revealed that the project had contributed to the review of the National Framework for the Prevention and Countering of Violent Extremism and Terrorism (NAFPCVET).
Additionally, he outlined UNDPs partnerships with various national institutions. These include collaborations with the National Peace Council to address localized conflicts in areas such as Wa West, as well as joint efforts with the National Commission on Small Arms to curb the proliferation of illicit firearms through Ghanas borders under the Saving Lives Entity (SALIENT) Fund Project He also highlighted the Young Africa Innovates (YAI) Programme, which equips young people and women with entrepreneurial skills.
In response, Hon. Ablakwa commended the UNDP for its impactful initiatives in Ghana. He acknowledged the organizations diverse expertise and stressed the importance of leveraging its experience to achieve Ghanas development objectives.
The minister emphasized the need for strategic policy formulation, a clear vision, and capital investment to drive the governments agenda, particularly in economic diplomacy and industrialization under the 24-hour economy concept. He reaffirmed the governments commitment to collaborating with the UNDP in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and advancing Ghanas socio-economic progress.
