Ghana Marks UN@80 with symbolic Peace and Health Walk in Accra

Ghana on Saturday joined the global community to begin a week-long commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the United Nations (UN) with a symbolic peace and health walk through the principal streets of Accra.

The walk, jointly organized by the UN in Ghana, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, and the Ghana Armed Forces, marked the start of activities under the national theme: “UN@80: Ghana and the UN – Shared Responsibility for a Better Tomorrow.”

The global theme: “UN at 80: Building Our Future Together,” reflects the collective duty of nations to foster peace, inclusivity, and sustainable development.

The walk, which commenced at the Forecourt of the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC), took participants through the Ridge Roundabout, Accra Technical University, the Accra High Street, Independence Square, and back to the AICC – covering a total distance of 6.2 kilometers in one hour and 15 minutes.

More than 300 participants, including officials from the UN in Ghana, staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, members of the security services, including the Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Fire Service, and Ghana Prisons Service, the media, diplomats, and other partners took part in the exercise.

The peace walk heralded the week-long activities that will highlight Ghana’s enduring partnership with the UN since joining the organization in 1957 as its 81st member state.

Over the years, Ghana has earned international recognition for its leadership in diplomacy, peacekeeping, and advocacy for global solidarity.

Mr. Zia Choudhury, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ghana, addressing participants after the walk, expressed gratitude to them for their active involvement in the event, which he said symbolized the spirit of unity, peace, and solidarity that the UN represents.

“This is the beginning of one week of celebration to mark the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. It is important for us that you are all here today because the UN is about a few key things – promoting peace and solidarity among all people of the world, encouraging prosperity and good health, and ensuring that future generations can live on a healthy planet,” he stated.

Mr. Choudhury commended Ghana for its long-standing commitment to the UN’s ideals, particularly through its active participation in peacekeeping missions across the globe.

He said: “Over the years, the United Nations has worked with governments, civil society, and the people to serve humanity. Ghana has contributed immensely to global peace through its armed forces and police service, and we are proud of that partnership.”

Mrs. Akosua Okyere-Boadu, Director of the Multilateral Relations Bureau, delivering a statement on behalf of the Minister for Foreign Affair, said the health walk was not only to commemorate the UN’s eight decades of service to humanity but also to celebrate good health, solidarity, and collective action at the heart of the UN’s mission.

She conveyed appreciation to the Ghana Prisons Service for providing bottled water for participants and to the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office for its sponsorship and continued partnership.

“Your collective presence and support today embody the spirit of partnership and unity that has sustained the UN for eight decades,” she said.

Mrs. Okyere-Boadu noted that the celebration’s theme serves as a reminder that progress is only possible when nations act together.

She noted that “just as the UN has tirelessly promoted peace, human rights, and development across the globe, we too must unite our efforts to build healthier, stronger, and more resilient communities, beginning with ourselves.”

She highlighted Ghana’s long-standing collaboration with the UN in advancing human development, health, and social progress.

The Director stated: “From supporting vaccination campaigns and maternal and child health initiatives to promoting universal access to clean water and sanitation, the UN has been a steadfast partner in improving health outcomes and strengthening communities.”

Mrs. Okyere-Boadu urged participants to carry forward the spirit of unity displayed during the walk, saying, “The energy, cooperation, and optimism we have shown today reflect the very ideals of the United Nations; peace, partnership, and progress. Together, we can build a future of well-being, resilience, and hope for all.”

Colonel Simeon Nante of the Ghana Armed Forces, who coordinated the health walk, reaffirmed Ghana’s dedication to supporting the UN’s global mission of peace and collaboration.

“Ghana has been a part of most of the United Nations peacekeeping missions; from Congo to Lebanon, Sudan, Liberia, and Somalia. We remain committed to ensuring that the UN achieves its mission of creating a peaceful and prosperous world,” he said.

GNA