UN applauds Ghana’s democracy

The United Nations has commended government and people of Ghana, for upholding and sustaining democracy, particularly in the year 2012.

A release issued by the United Nations System in Ghana on behalf of the Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, in commemoration of International Day of Democracy, which falls on Sunday September 15, also commended the people of Ghana for their enthusiasm and active engagement in their electoral process.

"In Africa, Ghana serves as a beacon of democracy as the country has enjoyed increasingly stable and deepening democratic governance over the last two decades.

"Despite these gains, key democratic challenges. These include: clarifying roles between and among the arms of government and governance institutions; increasing resources for key government and independent government institutions; deepening opportunities for effective citizen’s engagement; increasing the participation of women, youth and other marginalised groups in decision-making processes; strengthening capacity at local governance levels; and reducing the perception of corruption in the public sector.

"On this International Day of Democracy themed “Strengthening Voices for Democracy” we join the Secretary General in urging that leaders “hear, respect and respond appropriately to the voices of the people,” and for citizens to “use their voice to not only take control of their destiny, but to translate their desires and the desires of others into a better future for all.” In so doing, we are assured that Ghana’s democratic growth will be sustained," the statement said.

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