The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Leonardo Santos Simao, is emphasizing the urgent need for Ghana to respect its natural resources in order to meet sustainable development goals.
He expressed concern that the country is lagging in its progress, noting that with only a few years remaining until the target date, only 17% of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are currently on track. Mr. Santos Simao highlighted a staggering financing gap of $4.2 trillion annually, warning that at this rate, the SDGs will not be fully realized by 2030.
Addressing diplomats and state officials at the State House on October 24, 2024, in commemoration of the 79th United Nations Day, Mr. Santos Simao urged the need for immediate action. He called for a transformation of agricultural practices, support for local farmers, and the promotion of sustainable systems to enhance food security.
“To accelerate progress, we must first transform our agricultural practices, support local farmers and promote sustainable systems to enhance food security by respecting our natural resources,” he emphasized. This call to action is part of a broader message to reaffirm Ghana’s commitment to peace and security in the sub-region.
In addition to sustainable development, Mr. Santos Simao is calling on Ghanaians to join the “I PLEDGE FOR PEACE” campaign, a public commitment to uphold and maintain peace as the country approaches the December 7 elections.
He stressed the importance of a peaceful and violence-free election, urging the Electoral Commission and all stakeholders, including political parties, to work together towards this goal. “It is therefore essential, now more than ever to reaffirm our commitment to peace and democracy,” he stated.
The UN and the National Peace Council are actively promoting this campaign, which seeks to engage Ghanaians in a collective effort to maintain peace before, during, and after the elections.
