Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson
The Ministry of Finance has held a high-level strategic engagement with United Nations agencies, funds, and programmes operating in the country to strengthen development cooperation and advance the country’s national growth agenda.
In a statement released Monday, August 18, 2025, the UN agencies said the day-long meeting reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to inclusive growth, coordinated planning, and sustainable transformation, while also providing a platform to align government priorities with those of development partners and improve accountability.
According to the statement, Ghana’s development priorities remain closely tied to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
However, officials noted that fragmented approaches and weak coordination among stakeholders could undermine impact.
The engagement therefore sought to address those challenges by reinforcing the UN’s central role in supporting national development, the statement indicated.
It added that the discussions, attended by Finance Ministry officials, heads of UN agencies, and technical experts, focused on improving coordination, avoiding duplication of efforts, and streamlining multi-stakeholder collaboration.
The statement said a key outcome was a renewed commitment to align UN support directly with Ghana’s Medium-Term National Development Policy Framework to ensure resources are directed where they are most needed.
It pointed out that participants highlighted the importance of data-driven programming, harmonized planning cycles, predictable financing, and stronger accountability mechanisms as essential tools for ensuring impactful and sustainable development.
Deputy Minister of Finance, Thomas Nyarko Apem, underscored the government’s appreciation for the UN’s partnership.
“We recognise that the UN System’s support is catalytic, and our partnership signifies the collective commitment we share towards achieving Ghana’s inclusive national development agenda and the SDGs,” he said.
The UN Resident Coordinator, Zia Choudhury, pledged continued collaboration, noting that stronger partnerships were key to achieving results.
“This strategic engagement reflects our unwavering commitment to building stronger, more coordinated partnerships with the Government of Ghana. By aligning our efforts and deepening collaboration, we can accelerate Ghana’s development agenda and ensure that no one is left behind,” he stated.
The statement disclosed that stakeholders reaffirmed confidence in Ghana’s resilience and transformative potential, pledging to work together to advance good governance, economic resilience, and social inclusion in pursuit of a prosperous and sustainable future.
By Florence Asamoah Adom