Ghana Re-affirms Support In Annan's UN Reforms

Accra, (Greater Accra Region) 1 Oct. Mr Kwamena Ahwoi, Minister responsible for Foreign Affairs, today reiterated Ghana's support for the reforms initiated by Mr Kofi Annan, Secretary-General of the United Nations. ''The reform proposals and initiatives would make the UN more goal-oriented and accordingly more prepared for the challenges of the next millenium,'' he said. Mr Ahwoi was addressing a press conference to usher in celebrations to mark the the 52nd anniversary of the United Nations in Accra. Activities lined up for the day which falls on Friday October 24, include a flag-raising ceremony at the forecourt of the State House in the morning and model UN Security Council session at the Aggrey Memorial Secondary School in Cape Coast on Saturday, October 25. Radio and television programmes as well as Christian and Muslim prayers will precede the day. Mr Ahwoi said there is the need for the UN to adopt bold and imaginative measures to overhaul its structures and working methods to enable it to respond rapidly to the challenges of the new century. He said although Mr Annan's proposals may not meet the concerns expressed by the entire membership of the UN, it is a very important and courageous step in the desired direction. Mr Ahwoi said there is the need for a new developmental strategy based on genuine partnership between developed and developing countries in the post- cold war era. ''We may have secured peace from the cold war but what kind of peace can we have where the poor are locked out from the promise of progress. ''Africa continues to be marginalized in a world of rapid globalization and liberalization. ''Barriers that deny the poorest countries access to the world's most lucrative markets continue to make it easier for producers in the advanced countries to sell their goods to Africa than for African producers to enter their markets,'' Mr Ahwoi said.