The Government of Ghana is confident that the country’s election to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will be a major boost in its efforts to mitigate security risks in the West African sub region as well as contribute towards the agenda for global security.
The government intends to use this role to champion the West African security agenda by helping to address the security concerns of the region and, by extension, the continent.
A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration indicated that Ghana would bring to bear on the work of the Council her experience in conflict mediation, prevention and reconstruction.
“Ghana will also use her tenure on the Security Council to seek for a stronger and deeper collaboration and cooperation between the United Nations and regional bodies in a manner that enhances complementarity and ensures effectiveness of coordinated action,” it said.
Priorities
Detailing what Ghana’s priorities will be on the Council, the Ministry said Ghana will focus on enhancing global peace and security for sustainable and inclusive development.
“Some of our priorities will include commitment to placing the critical agenda of conflict prevention, post conflict reconstruction and multilateralism at the heart of UN peace and security agenda, promotion of Human Rights, sustainable development, peace and security in advancing the work of the Security Council, especially at a time when the United Nations is mobilising all Member States towards combating the COVID-19 pandemic,” it said.
“Advocacy for the implementation of the actions recommended by the High-Level Independent Panel on Peace Operations, such as improved strategic planning, better force generation, enhanced safety and security and strengthened efforts to combat sexual exploitation and abuse as well as strengthening partnerships between the United Nations and continental and regional organizations such as the African Union and ECOWAS in conflict prevention, peacekeeping operations and special political missions,” it added.
Ghana has also committed to addressing conflicts caused by environmental factors such as land degradation, desertification, drought and climate change.
Ghana’s election
On Ghana’s election, it noted that the country stands ready to be an active and instrumental member of the Council for the maintenance of international peace and security.
It noted that the effective leadership being demonstrated by President Nana Akufo-Addo provides synergy for the country’s membership of the Security Council, particularly in addressing the conflict situations in some parts of the West Africa region and the Sahel.
Ghana secured 185 votes out of 190 votes cast, thereby obtaining the highest number of votes compared to the four other member states that were elected.
Ghana received unanimous endorsement from all 15 ECOWAS member states and other African countries to be elected unto the Council.
To this end, the country will serve a two-year term on the Council for the period January 2022 to December 2023.
The role will make Ghana one of five countries to gain non-permanent member on the Council. The others are the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Albania, Brazil and Gabon.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration expressed gratitude to the African Union (AU) and ECOWAS for endorsing Ghana’s candidacy. It also expressed same to all Member States of the United Nations for giving the country an opportunity to collaborate with them and be a voice for Africa on the Council.
“The broad support for Ghana confirms the trust Member States have in our membership of the Council and Ghana’s capacity to help address the challenges confronting our world today, including violent extremism, terrorism, malicious cyber threats, illicit trafficking of arms, climate change, etc,” it said.
