The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, on Monday, March 3, 2025, welcomed the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Mr. Niloy Banerjee, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss ongoing and future development initiatives in Ghana.
During the meeting, Mr. Banerjee expressed his enthusiasm for serving in Ghana, particularly at a time when the country is undergoing a transition.
He outlined the UNDP’s key areas of intervention, including energy transition, gender equality, climate change, and digital transformation.
Highlighting his experience from previous postings, Mr. Banerjee emphasized the potential for South-South cooperation between Ghana and other developing nations, calling for stronger partnerships to harness opportunities for sustainable development.
He further detailed the UNDP’s ongoing projects in Ghana, such as the Atlantic Corridor Project, aimed at preventing and responding to violent extremism in the region. He noted that this initiative had contributed to reviewing the National Framework for the Prevention and Countering of Violent Extremism and Terrorism (NAFPCVET).
Additionally, he mentioned collaborations with the National Peace Council to prevent localized conflicts in areas like Wa West and other parts of Northern Ghana.
Other key initiatives include the “Saving Lives Entity (SALIENT) Fund Project” to curb small arms proliferation along Ghana’s borders and the “Young Africa Innovates (YAI) Programme,” which provides entrepreneurial training for youth and women.
Hon. Ablakwa commended the UNDP for its role in supporting Ghana’s development and stressed the importance of leveraging the organization’s expertise to drive national progress.
He highlighted the government’s commitment to economic diplomacy and industrialization under the 24-hour economy concept, noting that strategic policies, a clear vision, and capital investments would be essential in achieving sustainable growth.
The Foreign Minister assured Mr. Banerjee of the government’s continued collaboration with the UNDP to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and enhance Ghana’s economic and social development.
