Ghana Marks 52nd UN Day

Accra,(Greater Accra) 24 Oct. Ghana today celebrated the 52nd anniversary of the United Nations with a call for the bridging of the "sizeable gap" that exists between the aspirations of the organisation and its actual accomplishments. Dr Obed Asamoah, Minister of Justice and Attorney-General, reading a statement for the Minister responsible for Foreign Affairs at the ceremony, said the measure would make the world body more goal- oriented. The flag-raising ceremony, held at the forecourt of the State House, was attended by Ministers of State, Members of the Council of State, Parliament and the Diplomatic corps, students of some second- cycle institutions and voluntary organisations. Two contingents made up of three officers and 60 other ranks of the fifth battalion of infantry and the armoured recce squadron of the Ghana army, under the command of Major Prosper Kwame Anane, formed a parade for the occasion. The theme for this year's celebration in Ghana is "Reforming the United Nations to meet the Challenges of the 21st century". Dr Asamoah suggested that the provision of rapid and sustainable solution for the ever-increasing global problems and challenges should be one of the cardinal objectives of the reform programme. The UN Secretary-General, Mr Kofi Annan has come out with a reform package that is aimed at rejuvenating the world body to make it more potent in the pursuit of its goals. "It is universally accepted that to achieve its objectives, the organisation needs to adopt bold and imaginative measures to overhaul its structure and working methods in order to remove the obstacles which impede its effectiveness," Dr Asamoah said. He said the Secretary General's proposals meant the world body had not lost its vision and called on member states and the world community to consider them positively and provide the necessary funding for their effective implementation. Dr Asamoah re-affirmed the country's commitment to uphold the principles enshrined in the organisation's chapter. "Ghana's commitment to upholding the principles remains unchanged and we are forever ready to pledge our support to the achievement of its goals".