The life-saving work UNFPA carries out in over 150 countries of the world is made possible by funding provided by Governments and other partners. The Government of Australia happens to be one of the Core Contributors to UNFPA’s resources and morally supports the quest to achieve gender equality and the upholding of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).

To build on the rapport existing between the Australian Government and UNFPA, the Resident Representative of UNFPA in Ghana, Mr. Niyi Ojuolape paid a courtesy call on the Australian High Commissioner to Ghana, H.E. Gregory Andrews.

Accompanied by the Deputy Representative, Dr. Agnes Kayitankore, Mr. Ojuolape briefed the High Commissioner on the Fund’s contribution to achieving the three transformative goals in Ghana. Mr. Ojuolape explained that UNFPA provides forty percent of Ghana’s contraceptive needs and these services save an estimated 40,000 Ghanaian lives each year. “We ensure that our programmes contribute to ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet need for family planning and ending sexual and gender-based violence in Ghana” Mr. Ojuolape echoed.

Mr. Ojuolape presented to the High Commissioner, copies of UNFPA’s publications on the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana. The publications covered areas of focus such as ensuring SRHR issues remained at the fore of the response to the pandemic, working to prevent domestic violence and ensuring that young people who are most affected by the pandemic are not left behind. He used the opportunity to express his appreciation to the High Commissioner for honouring the invitation to mentor the Youth Leaders (YoLe) Fellows in 2020.

H.E. Gregory Andrews lauded UNFPA’s work and reaffirmed the commitment of his Government to continue working to promote gender equality towards the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.