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By Hannah Dadzie Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has urged the international community to draw lessons from Ghana’s enduring commitment to peace, compassion, and multilateral cooperation as the world marks 80 years of the United Nations. Speaking at a flag-raising ceremony and photo exhibition in Accra to commemorate the milestone, Mr. Ablakwa said Ghana’s record of promoting peace without ever instigating war should serve as a moral compass for the global community. “If all countries were to emulate Ghana’s example, we would indeed live in a world without conflict, strife, and genocide,” he noted. Mr. Ablakwa described the country’s peacekeeping legacy as a source of pride and a model of moral leadership for the world. “Eighty years on, Ghana has never started any war in any part of the world. If all countries were to emulate Ghana’s example, we would indeed live in a world without conflict, a world without strife, a world without genocide,” he said. The flag-raising ceremony and photo exhibition were the climax of a weeklong series of activities to commemorate the United Nations’ 80 years of existence. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, gave special recognition to the courage and compassion of Ghanaian troops who have served in some of the world’s most dangerous conflict zones, from Rwanda to Lebanon, Somalia, and Sudan. The troops were praised for their professionalism, commitment to the task, and their protection of human life. Mr. Ablakwa believed that cooperation, and not confrontation, is the surest path to a more peaceful and prosperous world. The Foreign Affairs Minister highlighted Ghana’s track record as a non-aggressor, urging other nations to follow suit. “When others withdrew from Rwanda, Ghanaian troops stayed, not because we had superior weapons, but because we valued human life above all,” he noted, paying glowing tribute to the men and women of the Ghana Armed Forces for six decades of service under the UN flag. Highlighting the theme, “UN@80: Ghana and the UN, Shared Responsibility for a Better Tomorrow,” Mr. Ablakwa described the United Nations as a “beacon of hope and international cooperation,” whose work has significantly shaped Ghana’s development in areas such as healthcare, education, gender equality, and governance. He acknowledged the invaluable support of UN agencies including UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA, WHO, FAO, and UNESCO in aligning Ghana’s national priorities with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Reflecting on Ghana’s long-standing partnership with the UN, UN Resident Coordinator in Ghana, Zia Choudhury, commended the country’s leadership in peacekeeping, diplomacy, and advocacy for global reforms. He lauded President John Mahama’s call at the UN General Assembly for greater African representation and structural reform of the global body. He urged continued investment in education, healthcare, and social services to ensure that every child can drink safe water, every girl can ride safely to school, and every family can live in peace. “As we mark this 80th anniversary, let us remember that building a better world is not the burden of one government or one institution; it is our shared duty,” Mr. Choudhury said. Mr. Choudhury stressed that the relevance of the UN’s founding ideals is even more urgent today, as the world grapples with conflict, inequality, and the climate crisis. A student representative called on the world to renew its commitment to peace, unity, and shared humanity. He said the occasion was not only a commemoration of the UN’s history but a celebration of “80 years of hope, shared humanity, and the belief that nations, no matter their size or strength, can work together for peace, justice, and dignity for all.” “The United Nations was not created to be perfect; it was created to be perseverant, to remind humanity that even in uncertainty, dialogue must never cease and hope must never die,” the student said. Drawing inspiration from former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, the student emphasized the power of youth leadership, quoting Mr. Annan’s famous words: “You are never too young to lead and never too grown to learn.” “Leadership is not about age or title, but about courage, compassion, and commitment to service. Today’s youth, from Accra to Tamale and Cape Coast to the world, are proving that leadership every single day,” the student said. He highlighted the growing role of young people in driving innovation, advocacy, and sustainable development, urging global leaders to include youth voices in decision-making processes. While acknowledging persistent global challenges such as conflict, inequality, and climate distress, the student expressed optimism that young people can be the bridge between hope and action. The UN@80 celebration in Accra brought together diplomats, government officials, security personnel, and members of the public to reflect on the United Nations’ enduring ideals of peace, human rights, and sustainable development. Ghana and the UN reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace, equality, and sustainable development, pledging to continue working together to build a safer and more inclusive world for generations to come
