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Ghana to host UN Peacekeeping Ministerial summit in December
Ghana will host the United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial summit from December 5 to 6, Mr Thomas Mbomba, a Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, has disclosed.
The UN Peacekeeping Ministerial is an important opportunity for Member States to come together in a collective effort to strengthen the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations and their impact on the communities they serve.
Mr Mbomba made the disclosure in Accra during a flag raising and wreath laying ceremony in commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers on the theme “Peace Begins with Me: 75 Years of UN Peacekeeping.”
This year’s theme recognizes the service and sacrifice of peacekeepers, past and present, including more than 4200 who have given their lives under the UN flag.
Mr Mbomba said it was a momentous time for Ghana, to be entrusted with the privilege of hosting the upcoming Peacekeeping Ministerial Conference.
He said this significant event would bring together leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from around the world to deliberate on the challenges and opportunities facing UN peacekeeping operations.
He noted that the event would provide a platform to share experiences, exchange best practices, and strengthen partnerships in their collective pursuit of sustainable peace.
“During the conference, we will focus on critical issues such as the protection of civilians, improving the safety and security of peacekeepers, advancing the women, Peace, and Security agenda, and strengthening the performance and accountability of peacekeeping operations,” Mr Mbomba said.
“We aim to harness the collective wisdom and experiences of the international community to identify innovative solutions and strategies that will shape the future of UN peacekeeping.”
He said the changing nature and specifics of modern conflicts, complicated by terrorist threats, and dire humanitarian and socio-economic situations, pose a challenge to the international community.
He reiterated that it was regrettable that despite the noble mission that the Blue Helmets carry out every day in extremely difficult and dangerous conditions, they continue to witness an upsurge in conflicts and war situations in many parts of the world.
He said this underscores the need for continued support from Member States and communities to enable UN Peacekeepers to carry out their mandate effectively.
He said the deliberate targeting of peacekeepers was a cause of deep concern to the Government of Ghana.
“We mourn the loss of those personnel who have paid the ultimate price with their lives in the line of duty,” he said.
“We commend the selfless contribution of all peacekeepers of the UN, the African Union, and regional organizations who are carrying out their duties honourably.”
He also expressed his condolences to the Member States and families of those killed in action.
Mr Mbomba said in line with Ghana’s commitment to international peace, the nation supports the view that international peacekeeping must evolve to better respond to the dramatic changes in the nature and scale of armed conflict.
Mr Charles Abani, the UN Resident Coordinator in Ghana, said Ghana had played a catalytic role in peacekeeping operations, setting an inspiring example for nations around the world.
He noted that “out of the 122 contributing countries, Ghana ranks number seven with 2,756 peacekeepers as of February 2023.”
He reaffirmed that the UN would continue being a reliable partner in the agenda for peacekeeping and further commended the role of Ghanaian peacekeepers.
Mr Dominic Nitiwul, the Defence Minister, in a speech read on his behalf urged member nations of the UN to recommit themselves to the noble ideals of the UN and forge a future where generations to come could live in a world of lasting peace.
Credit: GNA
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ASWIM lauds Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang
The Association of Women in the Media, (ASWIM) has congratulated Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on her historic achievement as Ghana’s first female Vice President.
The association said her trailblazing journey with sterling accomplishments from academia to politics, is undoubtedly, a vivid inspiration to countless women and girls across Ghana and Africa.
This was contained in a statement signed by its president, Mrs Mavis Kitcher, and copied to The Spectator on Tuesday in Accra.
“ASWIM celebrates your remarkable career, marked by numerous firsts, including the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, (UCC), and the first female to hold a professional chair in Ghana, (UCC),” the statement said.
It said the accomplishments of Prof Opoku- Agyemang were clear testament to the brilliance, resilience and resourceful nature of the complete beautiful African woman.
“As she takes on this new role, ASWIM proudly lauds her commitment to education, women’s empowerment, distinguished public service and patriotism and is very confident that her pursuit of excellence, love for humanity, humility, decency, modesty and commitment to the welfare of the vulnerable will characterise Ghana’s political leadership and public service,” the statement added.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
Entertainment
Demolition of Fantasy Dome unfair — Mark Okraku-Mantey
Months after the Fantasy Dome was dismantled to make way for construction at the Ghana International Trade Fair site, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Mark Okraku-Mantey, has expressed concern over the manner the facility was destroyed.
In an interview on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty, Mr Okraku-Mantey criticised the handling of the dome’s dismantling, suggesting that it could have been done without causing damage.
“I don’t think that leadership gave instructions that they should do what happened. The structure was a prefab but I hear the people destroyed it. That one, we cannot defend it. It is unfair to him (owner). Sometimes, you give instructions and people will go and do things that will make you look bad,” he stated.
When asked about any punitive measure against the workers responsible for the destruction, Mr Okraku-Mantey clarified that the Trade Fair does not fall under his ministry.
He said he had previously contacted the owner, Leslie Quaynor, to discuss relocating the dome, and even suggested the National Museum as a potential site, though it was too small.
The demolition of the 20,000-seater Fantasy Dome occurred on March 16, 2024.
According to Dr Agnes Adu, CEO of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited, the action was taken after multiple notices were given to Quaynor to vacate the premises for redevelopment, as per their tenancy agreement.
Dr Adu noted that all previous tenants had complied except for the Fantasy Dome.
Quaynor, in an interview with JoyNews, confirmed that his lease had ended, and was in the process of relocating the dome.
He had requested an extension, which was denied, leading him to seek a writ and an injunction from an Accra High Court to halt the demolition.
Despite this, the demolition proceeded, causing significant damage to the structure.
Quaynor described the incident as a major setback, not only for his business but also for the entertainment industry, which relies on venues like the Fantasy Dome.
