By Eunice Hilda A. Mensah
Accra, Dec. 24, GNA – Dr David Wilfred Ochan, the new Country Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has presented his credentials to Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration in Accra.
He expressed appreciation to the Ministry for the recent assistance in approving UNFPA’s Eighth Country Programme (2023–2027), support with the International Conference on Population and development (ICPD+25) review processes, and the on-going tracking systems with the National Development Planning Commission.
He lauded the Ministry for the support it provided to the UNFPA in Ghana and facilitating the active participation of Ghanaian delegates to international and regional fora organised by the Fund.
Dr Ochan gave the assurance that the UNFPA would continue to invest in promoting the wellbeing of Ghanaians through the approved Eighth Country Programme.
He extended warm greetings from the Executive Director, Dr Natalia Kanem, to the President and people of Ghana.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has been very helpful to us. We pledge to continue doing our best to achieve zero maternal deaths, zero unmet need for family planning, and zero sexual and gender-based violence and harmful practices in Ghana with your support,” he said.
It was prudent to deepen work in those areas by collaborating with government entities, the private sector, faith-based and cultural institutions, and women-and youth-led organisations, he said.
Dr Ochan highlighted opportunities for South-South and Triangular Cooperation.
Madam Botchwey, on her part, congratulated the new country representative on his appointment and assured him of government’s commitment to continue to collaborate with the UNFPA to realise sexual and reproductive health for all.
“The Government of Ghana is interested in tackling issues of adolescent pregnancy, maternal mortality and youth empowerment and thus, the Ministry will be committed to supporting the work of the UNFPA in Ghana,” she said.
The UNFPA is the sexual and reproductive health agency with a mission to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.
GNA