Story by: News Desk
As part of an initiative by the United Nations to advance the rights of people of African Descent by promoting recognition, justice and development, a high-level forum will be held in Ghana.
The high-level forum convened by Dr. Natalia Kanem, UN Under-Secretary General, and Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) will be attended by the Vice-President of Ghana, His Excellency, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, as the Special Guest of Honour and Vice-President of Costa Rica, Her Excellency Epsy Campbell Barr, who will be delivering the keynote address.
This was disclosed in a press release issued and signed by Dr. Doris Mawuse Aglobitse of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
According to the release, the high-level forum is aimed at promoting dialogue and advocacy on thematic areas that would enhance inclusion and the wellbeing of people therefore would be centred on the theme: “People of African Descent: Accelerating the Commitment for Recognition Advancement of Rights, Justice and Development”.
The forum which will be held on Friday, 22nd April, 2022 preceds this year’s International Day for People of African Descent which will be observed on 31st August 2022. would
The inaugural celebration of International Day for People of African Descent was hosted by the Government of Costa Rica in San Jose in August 2021.
This followed a resolution adopted by the United Nations based on a proposal by Costa Rica to observe the day in recognition of the history, legacy and contributions of the African diaspora worldwide.
UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres described the day as “a celebration of the enormous contributions of people of African descent to every field of human endeavour,” and “a long overdue recognition of the profound injustices and systemic discrimination that people of African descent have endured for centuries and continue to confront today.”
The historic relationship Ghana shares with the African diaspora is significant, considering its central involvement in the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.
This history, coupled with the recent ‘Year of Return’ and ‘Beyond the Return’ initiative by the Government of Ghana has positioned Ghana as a vital entry-point for Africans in the diaspora.
Visiting historic and cultural sites
To provide an experience of touristic sites that are indispensable to the history of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, the delegation will visit the Elmina Castle, Assin Manso Slave Market and Slave River Park.
The Press Release explained that, Dr Natalia Kanem, UNFPA’s Executive Director is the UN Secretary-General’s Champion to further the agenda of people of African heritage.
And while in Ghana, she is expected to engage with traditional leaders by paying a courtesy call to the King of Akwamu, His Royal Majesty Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III.
Highlights of the upcoming events scheduled between 19th and 23rd April 2022 include: A High-level Forum on People of African Descent; a courtesy call to the President and the Vice-President of the Republic of Ghana and field visit to assess Nana Afrakuma II’s Vocational Institute for Adolescent Mothers in Akwamu.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
