YouSaid · the spoken record

John Agyekum Kufuor,

lines on the record: 51
first: 2002-09-24
most recent: 2007-09-24
sittings or episodes: 4
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“All its Member States should, therefore, be committed unequivocally to its ideals and purposes. To conclude, permit me once again to wish the Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Godspeed during his tenure and to assure him of Ghana’s continued cooperation and support.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The General Assembly's approval of the overhaul of the system of administration of justice at the United Nations, for the first time in 60 years is also long overdue and commendable. However, Ghana urges the Organization to reflect also on mechanisms for the enforcement of the judgments of the International Court of Justice. Conflicts, particularly those in the developing world, have consistently undermined policies to improve the circumstances of our peoples. Sustainable development can be achieved only in an international environment of peace and security. The United Nations remains the main and the best multilateral instrument available for guaranteeing such an environment and for promoting fruitful international cooperation, especially in this era of globalization.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The Secretary-General’s proposal to establish the Office for Disarmament Affairs within the Secretariat to be part of the decision-making process is timely, owing to the proliferation of small arms and light weapons and the menace of terrorism. In many places in the world, these dangers together constitute the real weapons of mass destruction. Ghana welcomes initiatives like the restructuring of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the establishment of the Department of Field Support. The latter initiative will not only reduce the work of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations but will also help to promote its efficiency, accountability and transparency.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“This must be bridged quickly to enable struggling African nations to attain the Millennium Development Goals. The developed partners are, therefore, urged to fulfil their pledges. On the world trade talks, we urge them to commit seriously to the aid-for-trade appeal as a critical principle in the Doha Round. Similarly, on the proposed economic partnership agreement, the European Union should agree to relax the timeline for conclusion. They should also agree to review timelines for trade barriers and procurement, given that the rather weak economies of many African, Caribbean and Pacific nations might not be able to withstand the shocks of implementation in the short to medium term without some adjustment.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The General Assembly’s decision to endorse NEPAD as a framework for cooperation with the African Union is, therefore, timely and appreciated. There has been a general improvement in the relationships between Africa and the various developed parts of the world and regional blocs. This is reflected in various initiatives including the Millennium Challenge Account and the African Growth and Opportunity Act of the United States of America; the African, Caribbean and Pacific agreements with the European Union; the Tokyo International Conference on African Development with Japan; the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation; the Indo-Africa Forum for Cooperation and the Africa-Brazil forum, among many others. Despite this trend, however, there is still a serious gap in official development assistance.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“In the mean time, the African Union’s agency, New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), is seriously engaged in studying viable projects that should prove strategic to opening up the entire continent and its economy for accelerated developments. Energy, communications and infrastructure development rank highly in this. The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) is also a NEPAD creation. The Mechanism has already proven helpful in deepening respect for human rights and democracy, as well as transparent and accountable governance. Indeed, as more countries voluntarily subscribe to it, the Mechanism’s real value as a creative and ingenious process for addressing many of the root causes of conflict is becoming evident.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“It will enable Member States, such as Ghana, which have pledged to contribute troops to do so. A contingency plan for the possible deployment of a United Nations force to replace AMISOM by next February must also be developed. Decidedly, Africa is making progress, with improvement in the macromanagement of many African economies. Average gross domestic product growth has increased steadily, from 5.2 per cent in 2005 to 5.7 per cent in 2006 to the current 6 per cent, which is expected to be sustained or even exceeded in coming years. Africa is therefore more than ready for good business. This is evidenced by the increasing interest shown by both local and foreign investors.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“We also recognize the special initiative being taken by Secretary-General Ban and the Libyan leader, Brother Muammar Al-Qadhafi, to get the remaining warring factions to join the dialogue in order to achieve full-scale and rounded negotiations. Meanwhile, the ongoing peace initiative in Somalia is proving extremely challenging and well beyond the capacity of the African Union alone. We are therefore calling for the concerted and timely support of the United Nations. In that respect, we urge the Organization to consider the African Union’s request for financial, logistical and technical support towards the full and effective deployment of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). That will be within the letter and spirit of Security Council resolution 1772 (2007), adopted in August 2007.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“To that end, we commend the efforts of the Peacebuilding Commission, whose first annual report (A/62/137) highlights the challenges associated with post-conflict reconstruction and development of countries such as Sierra Leone and Burundi. As a member and a Vice-Chair, Ghana will work diligently with other members to achieve the goals of the Commission. We also welcome Security Council resolution 1769 (2007), authorizing the deployment of a hybrid operation in Darfur, with the consent of the Government of the Sudan, and call for its speedy implementation within the agreed time frame. Here, we acknowledge the tireless joint efforts of the African Union and the Security Council, which finally got the Government of the Sudan and the Darfur warring factions to resume dialogue.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Those initiatives, which are supported by the international community, have already helped to reduce significantly the high incidence of armed conflicts, which have been common on the continent over the past four decades. In line with our concerted efforts to restore peace and stability in Africa, the prevailing crises in the Darfur region of the Sudan and in Somalia and the Ethiopia-Eritrea conflict must be resolved. Similarly, measures to consolidate peace in countries that are emerging from conflict, such as Burundi, Guinea- Bissau, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, must be substantially supported by the Organization and the international community to avoid a relapse.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The sole agenda of the Summit was to stage a grand debate in search of a continental union government to accelerate the growth and development of Africa and its peoples in a sustained manner. After very frank and fruitful deliberations, the Summit firmly resolved to launch certain necessary steps towards achieving that laudable objective. To pave the way, the Summit continues to place high priority on the resolution and prevention of conflicts within and among member nations. The African Union Peace and Security Council is tasked to develop a robust and dependable security architecture on the continent, including the setting up of an African standby force as soon as possible.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Again, recalling its role in Africa’s liberation struggle against colonialism and apartheid, Ghana has once more committed itself to working in harmony and union with sister African nations and also in partnership with the global community, as far as it is feasible, to end years of impunity, exploitation and bad governance, which have undermined the economic growth and development of the continent. Henceforth, all energies should be directed at empowering the continent through accountable and transparent governance, economic growth and sustainable development to enable it to tackle the myriad problems that afflict it and to facilitate its launching into mainstream globalization. In July this year, Ghana had the honour of hosting the ninth Ordinary Session of the Summit of the African Union in Accra.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“On 6 March 2007, Ghana celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of its independence as a sovereign nation. Ghanaians were overwhelmed by the incredible level of goodwill from well-wishers around the world. Permit me to use this occasion to convey Ghana’s heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the members of the Assembly and, indeed, to the rest of the world for the singular solidarity displayed to us on that occasion. May all the peoples of the world become one and be at peace with each other. In line with its independence ideal of freedom of justice and a jubilant spirit of renewal, Ghana has rededicated itself to respect for human rights, democracy, good governance and sound economy to enable its people to develop their full potential for sustained national development.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Since it is generally accepted that the threat is universal, it is Ghana’s considered view that the United Nations should be vested with the authority to fashion a full- fledged agency equipped with the necessary scientific and technological resources to study the problem globally and to focus on where and when it is going to occur so that, through the organization, such places can be prepared, with due warning and relief, to adapt to the impact. Leaving the problem to individual nations, especially in the developing world, cannot be the way forward. There should be shared responsibility, even if various solutions are sought. In any case, this menace must be tackled on an emergency basis by the Organization and all its Member nations, individually and collectively, for humanity’s survival.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Permit me first to congratulate you, Sir, on your election as President of the General Assembly at its sixty-second session. The Assembly is certainly the richer for the wealth of diplomatic experience that you bring to the job. Yesterday there was a vibrant debate in this Hall on the critical issue of climate change, which is a main theme of this year’s session. The phenomenon of consensus among contributors portends catastrophic impact on the whole globe, but more especially on poor countries, which are least equipped financially and technologically to adapt in a sustained manner.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“In that regard, Ghana has established a Ministry of Women’s and Children’s Affairs to spearhead policies and programmes to promote gender equality and enhance the status of women. This is a historic moment of truth for the international community. The destiny of the United 18 Nations and humankind is in our hands. We have the choice to save it, and the time to act is now.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Africa believes that the realization of the agenda under the Doha Round could also bring significant benefits to developing countries. But alongside those efforts must come support for the call for greatly enhanced economic aid from the United Nations and the developed world for the struggling third world to nurture itself into the fitness required for the competitiveness that the global market demands. The same rationale must back the various initiatives aimed at providing assistance for the prevention, care and treatment of HIV/AIDS, malaria and other infectious diseases. It is only by containing those diseases that the continent’s development can be kept on course. The empowerment of women and children is moving apace on the continent.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Through NEPAD, Africa has identified the factors of good governance, the culture of democracy, the rule of law, free and fair elections, sound economic management of States, and State support for and partnership with the private sector as critical for sustained socio-economic development, peace and stability. For accelerated economic growth, Africa is generally agreed that the way forward is through partnerships among the African nations and with the rest of the world to create economies of scale and to attract both domestic and foreign direct investment. That will create opportunities for employment, the transfer of know-how and markets to combat the debilitating poverty. The world community must support Africa in those ground-breaking efforts.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Whatever its cause, terrorism cannot be justified or rationalized in terms of a solution, since its effects do not discriminate between the perceived guilty and the innocent. That is why the world must stand together and try to eradicate it. African nations are now showing a strong determination to end the conflicts that have bedevilled the continent for decades. The setting-up of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) and the African Peace and Security Council under the auspices of the African Union is a demonstration of that resolve.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“That will engender the trust needed to anchor the tolerance and goodwill which must be the cornerstone of the globalization process. The increasing realization of our common humanity will lessen the divisive tendencies of racial, religious, political, gender, cultural and other social categorizations. Already, the world, under the leadership of this Organization, is doing well in its many dramatic rallies in rushing aid to victims wherever disaster occurs, such as the Indian Ocean States after the tsunami and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, here in the United States of America. In spite of those positive developments, however, the persistent and worsening carnage and mayhem caused by terrorism still seem to lurk everywhere. Nowhere and nobody seems to be safe any longer.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Without doubt, the Organization has become both the main centre for the mobilization and deployment of resources for the relief of victims of natural and man- made disasters alike, and also the chief agency and catalyst for the spread of opportunities for progress and development for all humankind. Reassuringly, it is galvanizing the conscience of humankind to resist and desist from inhuman conduct, whilst putting in place a global social safety net for the poor, the weak and the handicapped in a world of strident competition. Ghana will therefore continue to contribute to the ongoing debate on United Nations reform, especially the strengthening of the Organization’s institutions at all levels. The reforms must radiate the spirit of common humanity in which each person is his brother’s keeper.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“After the celebratory and powerful statements made here by leaders from all four corners of the world during these past few days commemorating the sixtieth anniversary of this Organization, all that is left for Ghana to do is to emphasize a few points in this annual general debate of the General Assembly. The record attendance of heads of State and Government at this year’s meetings is evidence that, more and more, nations of the world are accepting and looking up to the United Nations to provide the moral and practical framework and leadership for the shaping and governance of the onrushing global village.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Let me conclude by thanking your predecessor for having ably guided the deliberations of the General Assembly through what was by all accounts a particularly difficult year. We are also happy to see you in the Presidency. We are confident that the General Assembly could not be in more competent hands and we wish you well. I thank you and may God bless us all.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“We also wish to reiterate the imperative need for the Security Council to be reformed, in order to ensure that it carries out its Charter obligations more effectively in the full confidence of Member States. In this regard, we subscribe wholly to the Non-Aligned Movement’s position on the question of an increase in the membership of the Security Council. We also 12 endorse Africa’s claim to have at least two permanent seats. We sincerely hope that the Organization will be empowered to assume a central role in the current efforts to normalize the situation in the Middle East, especially in Iraq and Palestine. The strengthening of the Organization to provide this leadership will reinvigorate it to survive this century and promote the cause of peace and security in the world.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“In this regard, we welcome the recent establishment of the Office of the Special Adviser on Africa to the Secretary-General, and look forward to the positive contribution which the Office will make to meet the numerous challenges on the continent. My delegation is happy with the Secretary- General’s renewed efforts to reform aspects of this Organization’s operations and appreciates his challenge to Member States to make a bold effort towards this end. In this regard, we assure him of our full support during this session for the adoption and implementation of his renewed vision, and we endorse his report entitled “Strengthening the United Nations: an agenda for further change” (A/57/387 and Corr.1).”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“A combination of trade and aid must be used to assist the African Union and its component nations and to nurture their economies into competitive resourcefulness. This is the way to empower Africa and get it into the mainstream of the world market, without adding to the hardships of the already marginalized people of the continent. This being a session devoted to the consideration of the biennial budget for 2004-2005, we hope that all Member States will work together positively to ensure that adequate funding is provided for all prioritized mandates for implementation, including those for the development and stability of Africa.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“This means that unless the developed parts of the world remove subsidies for their agricultural and mineral sectors, Africa cannot be competitive. Indeed, Africa’s equivalent sectors may be destroyed with dumping from the advanced parts of the world. It is also being seriously suggested that, even as the World Trade Organization (WTO) recognizes that Africa must be accorded a status of transition, or a special status for a carefully calculated period, the WTO does not seem to be propagating this necessity enough to give practical effect to it. The failure of Cancún bears witness to this. The World Trade Organization must, therefore, do its homework well to carry the poor nations with it.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“At this stage, may I be permitted to express some reservations on the topical issue of world trade? It must be recognized that even as globalization is engulfing all the corners of the world, in such a manner that no part can opt out, free trade and competition, which are the hallmarks of the global market, can prove inimical and disastrous to most nations, particularly the developing and least developed countries. This will be so unless the process of globalization is properly and sensitively managed. The reality of the situation is that most of the least developed countries are in Africa, especially sub- Saharan Africa. At the current stage of development, most of Africa is limited to exporting raw minerals and agricultural commodities.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Good governance — characterized by democratic constitutional rule; the rule of law; respect for human rights and property rights; accountable government and its recognition and intercourse with civil organizations; freedom of expression; private-sector promotion; religious tolerance; eradication of illiteracy; and promotion of gender balance and children’s rights — is fast becoming the order of the day throughout Africa. Indeed, good governance is an article of faith of the African Union today. Economically, the African Union is calling for partnerships, both within and outside the continent, to pool capital, technological and managerial ideas, and also markets, to promote and fast track the development of Africa into the mainstream of the global market.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“This is why the international community, particularly the industrialized nations, should appreciate the urgency of the situation and offer commensurate partnership and assistance to the African Union and its initiative, the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), to relaunch the continent’s development. The current leadership of the continent has resolved to nurture Africa back to prosperity within the framework of the NEPAD.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“The report states that the rest of the world has left sub-Saharan Africa behind, and that it will take 150 years for our region to achieve the Millennium Development Goals that Member States of this Organization had hoped to achieve by 2015. The report indicates that: “Unless things improve, it would take sub-Saharan Africa until 2129 to achieve universal primary education, until 2147” — more than a century later than hoped — “to halve extreme poverty, and until 2165 to cut child mortality by two thirds. For hunger, no date can be set because the region’s situation continues to worsen.” This is the century of the global village. How can sub-Saharan Africa, with more than 400 million people, be condemned to such a fate? Clearly, this must not be acceptable for the globalization process.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“In the main, such problems include the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of combatants into regular society. ECOWAS therefore appeals for the assistance needed for their effective management. Yet another serious continuing menace is the prevalent illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in the subregion. In this regard, we note the commendable progress made by the international community in addressing this menace through the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons. The truth, however, is that more vigorous and resourceful effort is needed to succeed. The Human Development Report 2003 exposes the tragedy that besets sub-Saharan Africa, and this is the most suitable platform to highlight it.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“I therefore seize this opportunity to express the appreciation of the Community and myself to France, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, as well as the European Union and the United Nations, under the leadership of the Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, to name just a few of those who have provided substantial assistance. While ECOWAS fully appreciates the support of our friends, it must nevertheless appeal for some more resources from this Organization and the international community to enable it to consolidate the peace and normalization process. It might be necessary to stress that, in some instances within the subregion, post- conflict peace-building efforts have failed, mainly because the problems involved were not addressed in a systematic, sustained and holistic manner.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“It is therefore hoped that Security Council consideration of Africa’s conflicts will yield adequate, practical and timely support to resolve them. In my current capacity as Chairman of ECOWAS, I wish to acknowledge the valuable support of the various Governments as well as international organizations, which have contributed to the efforts of the Community to achieve peace and stabilize the subregion. With this help, the Community is succeeding in resolving conflicts that have engulfed Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone and other nations. All of them are now, thankfully, on the way to stability and normality.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Hence, for more than 40 years, Ghana has demonstrated commitment to international conflict prevention and resolution and peacekeeping missions around the world, under the auspices of the United Nations, and now the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The latest is the country’s participation in the ECOWAS Peace Force (ECOFORCE), in Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia. Africa accepts its responsibility for resolving the continent’s internal conflicts. Today, there is no doubt that the nations of Africa are rising to this challenge. But there is also no doubt that the continent suffers massive shortcomings in financing and technological resources. This is why the international community, especially the United Nations, under its Charter obligations, must continue to support Africa in its efforts to maintain peace.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“We believe that the problems of the twenty-first century cannot be addressed without universal commitment to multilateralism spearheaded by the United Nations. We recommend, however, that fairness, firmness, humanity and a sense of balance must characterize United Nations responses to all events of a similar nature, irrespective of where such events occur, if this Organization is to enhance its credibility and ensure its relevance in a sustained manner. Living in the West African subregion, which has experienced more than its fair share of conflicts, my countrymen are familiar with the negative effects of conflicts, and the pain of insecurity. They also know the importance of multilateral efforts in conflict management.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“The past two years have been years of near apocalyptic ordeal for the world and this great Organization. In rapid succession, the world and this Organization have been caught in what can only be described as a crossfire of terrorism, violence and wars. The uncertainties resulting from these situations are yet to be dispelled. Much of the world is still in the dark, groping for a glimpse of what the future direction of international relations and this Organization will be. The recent unwarranted attacks against the United Nations headquarters and personnel in Baghdad, Iraq, should be roundly condemned. They should not break the will of this Organization to continue to provide humanitarian assistance and relief to the people of Iraq. We in Ghana still believe in the United Nations as the global repository of humankind’s aspiration.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“The tragedy of 11 September has certainly made a difference to the world. It has shocked the world into uniting to condemn it. Let those of us who have accepted the honour and privilege to speak on behalf of our peoples determine that we must strive for a world of greater tolerance and of more justice, a more humane world in which law and order are fully respected both within nations and in the international community. Eleven September must be used to underpin the vital communal spirit that must motivate the global village. We would then be able to say that we had left the world a better place than we found it.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Thirdly, I must mention the HIV/AIDS pandemic, which is threatening the survival of our countries. The spread of the disease is compounding our difficulties even further. I wish to pay tribute to the Secretary- General for his interest, and for the setting up of the Global Fund to help us fight the menace. The Ghana AIDS Commission is constantly seeking new ways to change attitudes at all levels towards the disease, and we seek to learn from the experience of others in combating it. We support the efforts of the international community to provide more affordable antiretroviral drugs for the most needy. At this stage, permit me to congratulate Switzerland on its accession to membership, and East Timor on its forthcoming accession. That Switzerland has at long last joined the Organization confirms its universality. They are welcome.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“We urge Member States to join in the early implementation of the Programme of Action that was adopted in 2001 to stop this trade, from which most of the instability in Africa stems. Secondly, women and children need our protection. It is for that very reason that in Ghana we have created a Ministry for Women and Childrenës Affairs to enable us tackle issues that affect those two groups. We have embarked on a vibrant educational campaign and are pursuing policy initiatives that will create awareness and reduce the incidence of discrimination against women and help improve their livelihoods. We are also striving to ban child labour and enforce free and compulsory education for all children up to the junior secondary school level as enjoined by Ghanaës national Constitution.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“We wish to recommend, however, that an organization such as the United Nations should provide the regulatory framework to ensure that the benefits of globalization are more equitably distributed. The opportunities are enormous for those who can take advantage of the move to more liberalized markets and increased flows of investment capital. But nature did not make all people equally competitive. That global organization must, therefore, evolve systems of safety nets to guarantee all humanity an acceptable minimum degree of dignity and respectability. The United Nations must rise up to this challenge. For the pure and proper development of the global village, certain initiatives by this Organization must be commended and encouraged. Ghana is in full support of United Nations effort to curb the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“We need the partnership, markets and support of the international community to sustain our development. That is the message of NEPAD. We are working to develop a positive economic environment to receive and integrate foreign direct investment as a tool for regional development. That is the sure path for Africa to connect effectively with the global markets. Ghana acknowledges its share of responsibility to protect the resources that Nature has given our country as the heritage of all humankind. The world cannot and must not operate on the basis of the survival of the fittest. Weaknesses caused by history and other factors must be taken into account and, above all, our common humanity must inform all our international dealings. Ghana sees a lot of potential in globalization.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“It is for this reason that Ghana, like other African nations, is trying to put its house in order to take advantage of emerging prospects. We are nurturing our infant democracy, and the citizens are passionately committed to the defence of the Constitution. We are putting in place mechanisms to support good governance. The institutional framework is being created to ensure an efficient public sector that can interface effectively with an enterprising private sector to create wealth and eliminate poverty. But Ghana, like other developing countries, cannot alone achieve the dramatic rate of growth that is required; there must be significant injections of outside 5 investment into our economy. We need affordable and sustainable sources of energy to be able to achieve rapid development.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Ghanaian academics and citizens from many other African countries can be found in many top universities and companies around the world, contributing significantly to the development of cutting-edge enterprises. Africans are in various jobs and are making a considerable contribution to the running of organizations, including the United Nations. I would like to take this opportunity to express Ghana's and Africa's deepest gratitude to the international community for the confidence it showed in re-electing Mr. Kofi Annan, the Secretary-General, to a second term. In all these endeavours, however, the missing link for Africa has been the solid and sustainable framework for good governance to support the purposeful evolution of prosperous and stable nations on the continent.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Fortunately, information and communications technology provides the means to help Africa leap-frog into the modern world. Let the world community therefore assist Africa to join in the mastery of this powerful tool. Ours is a well-endowed continent. Our raw materials keep the manufacturing engines of the world running. The reasons for investing in Africa, therefore, need not be charitable; investment can be based on sound economic considerations. The market potential of a thriving and economically viable Africa will do wonders not only for Africa but also for the world economy at large. I am optimistic, because I think of what Ghana and the African continent have contributed to the development of the world. We have provided, and continue to provide, personnel in various fields to all kinds of institutions in the world.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“The technology exists and the human expertise abounds in the world to end the degrading poverty and debilitating diseases that sap the confidence of the peoples of Africa. This world Assembly must rally to help Africa in its genuine efforts to tap into the intellectual, financial and moral resources of the globe, to be a worthy partner within it. The concept of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) provides the framework within which African countries can be assisted to become part of the mainstream. It provides a great opportunity for world leaders to move from rhetoric to purposeful action. Education has served as a route out of poverty for people throughout the ages, and it should be the way out for us in Africa as well. We have an essentially young population that is ready and anxious to learn.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Today, under the auspices of the African Union, the rejuvenated continental grouping, our countries have resolved to tackle the continent's problems to enable us join the mainstream of world development. We have pledged to endeavour to be honest with each other, and under the Peer Review Mechanism there will be no hiding behind claims of sovereignty in order to tolerate abuses of human rights in individual countries. We are determined to strive for democracy and good governance, not because those are fashionable buzzwords but because we are convinced that they are the surest if not always the most rapid path to the development that we require to uplift the conditions of life of our peoples.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Sadly, the continent of Africa still lags behind in many spheres, as poverty and disease plague the continent. But there is a new spirit abroad among the African countries. Africa has never wanted to be perceived as the scar on the conscience of the world'. We do not want to be the object of pity and charity, and we do not want to provide the grisly images of war, disease, ignorance, famine and poverty for the world's television screens. It was largely as a result of our determination to shed that unacceptable image that many a country on the continent, on attaining independence, desperately rushed into one or another untried ideology or economic model that tended only to worsen the woes of self-doubt left by exploitative and unconscionable colonialism.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“It is for that reason that I am optimistic about the future. The work of the United Nations and of non- governmental organizations, and the growing acceptance of the principles of good governance, human rights, tolerance for a diversity of views and the rule of law around the globe make me optimistic. In my mind's eye, I can already see, in the near future, a world in which there is more openness, more forbearance and less categorization of mankind. Our nations have been brought together by science, technology and conscience, as well as by 4 adversity, and the acknowledgement of interdependence among peoples has become a reality. Now we are moving from the concept of beggar thy neighbour' to one of prosper thy neighbour', which should become the hallmark of the global village.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“If ever there was any doubt about mankind's shared humanity, that catastrophe conclusively dispelled it. A year on, we still bear the deep scars; we have not forgotten, and we dare not forget, because what happened was not directed exclusively against New York and the people of the United States. Nationals of many countries, including Ghanaians, perished in that tragedy. What happened was indeed an affront to civilization itself. Throughout the ages, whenever humanity has found itself confronted with great danger, it is the sense of unity and common purpose that has pulled us through. This is no exception. Indeed, the resilience of New York and of the people of the United States has brought about a spirit of solidarity and generosity that is just as awesome to behold as the tragic event itself.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)