SECRETARY-GENERAL PRAISES ‘MANIFOLD CONTRIBUTIONS’ OF GHANA TO UNITED NATIONS

ON FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF COUNTRY’S INDEPENDENCE

 

Following is the message by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on the fiftieth anniversary of Ghana’s independence, delivered by Legwaila Joseph Legwaila, Special Adviser on Africa, in Accra today:

Fifty years ago on this day, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah proclaimed: “ Ghana is free for forever.  But the independence of Ghana would be meaningless if not linked up to the total liberation of Africa.”

Today, the people of Ghana can look back proudly at that moment, knowing that their nation’s early independence and statehood were an inspiration to the freedom struggles of people all over Africa.

As I salute Ghana’s independence today, I would also like to praise its manifold contributions to the United Nations.  Since reaching nationhood, Ghana has been a true partner in promoting the ideals of the UN Charter.

The man in whose footsteps I follow as Secretary-General, my esteemed predecessor, Mr. Kofi Annan, is a great son of this country who made an indelible contribution to the United Nations and its mission for a better world.

Thousands of Ghanaian troops have served with United Nations peacekeeping operations around the world, and are deployed today in places as diverse as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Timor-Leste, Lebanon, Liberia and Sierra Leone.  Many Ghanaians have made the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives in the cause of peace.  To them and to your nation, the United Nations owe a debt of gratitude.

Ghana also plays an active role in regional institutions working for peace and sustainable development in Africa.  President Kufuor’s current chairmanship of the African Union and his prior leadership at ECOWAS are clear manifestations of Ghana’s enduring commitment to addressing issues affecting the continent.  And, as a member of the UN Security Council, Ghana has an important voice in formulating strategies for peace and security worldwide.

Ghana’s dedication to the Millennium Development Goals is also well known within and beyond its borders.  Indeed, Ghana has become a trailblazer for development on the continent.  Its achievements are rightly praised by development institutions and partners throughout the world.

As you celebrate this milestone, I am confident that Ghana and its partnership with the United Nations will continue to flourish, and that you, as a nation, will remain a formidable champion of global peace and democratic governance in Africa.

I wish President Kufuor and the people of Ghana a most joyous celebration.

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For information media • not an official record