The United Nations Association Commission for Women and Children Affairs Ghana (UNACWCA) has Friday July 8, 2022 sworn in its Goodwill ambassadors to champion the cause of better living standards among women and children.
The ceremony which took place at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) saw 15 goodwill ambassadors sworn in and a host of others taking their oath online.
The Goodwill Ambassadors were sworn in by Her Ladyship Justice Hafisata Amaleboba of the High Court of Ghana.
In his keynote address, the Guest Speaker, President General, Chief Executive Officer and Chief UN Ambassador of the Word of Life Ministries International and Vice President of the International Third World Leaders Association in charge of the UN and Diplomatic Affairs, Dr. Philip S. Phinn charged the new ambassadors to have a vision and execute their duties to the best of their abilities.
Giving an acceptance speech, UK Goodwill Ambassador Mavis Amankwah, who joined virtually, encouraged her colleagues to take advantage of technology. She said the use of technology can make the world a better place for women and children.
When I was asked to do this, I was in two minds. I wasn’t sure if it was something I wanted to do so I went and thought about it and said definitely. I am so honored and privilege to be a part of this great initiative. I and some of my colleagues here in the UK are definitely going to be working to make a difference. To work towards policy for women and children in Ghana and across the world on behalf of the UNACWAC.
“It is my very honorable pleasure and the great thing is we have technology and my message today is that you should use technology to raise awareness on the affairs of women and young children.
We should technology to donate; we should use technology to show the great works that we are all going to be doing across the world. The great thing is, we can all connect globally. I’m connected to you now 3,000 miles away in the UK and it’s just such a great pleasure. So to me, I am really excited and I’m really honored,” she stated.
Goodwill Ambassador, Rev. Dr. Daniel Asiedu in his acceptance speech on behalf of all the Ambassadors, emphasized that all of his colleagues were up to the task despite the challenges ahead. He further opined that the call to serve humanity and to advocate for respect, equality and dignifying lives for the vulnerable in society is both humbling and noble.
Rev. Asiedu asserted that increasing domestic violence cases and high maternal mortality rate in Ghana speaks volume for a rigorous support for women and children.
From all indications, Ghana’s support and welfare scheme for women and children leaves much to be desired. As we wrap our minds around the perennial flooding in the country, we cannot lose sight of the pathetic scenes of many women and children sleeping on pavements because they have no option. We look forward to effectively dwelling on the expertise of the ambassadors to cause
The UNACWCA also used the occasion to officially launched a Shelter Project to provide housing for vulnerable women and children in the country. The project will also empower the beneficiaries to contribute to the socio-economic wellbeing of their families and communities.
Speaking at the launch event, the Communication officer of the Commission, Elaine Kwamin explained that, the organization is determined to provide shelter for marginalized persons especially women and children on the streets of Ghana. She said the facility will consist of a 60 bed capacity health center, Vocational and Technical Training centers, 250 capacity cafeteria, a talent development center and about 500 capacity accommodation on a 100-acre land.
Madam Kwamin further called on various stakeholders to support the project as it will serve the collective interest of both the beneficiaries who are surviving at the mercy of the weather and the country.
It is our anticipation that our modest intervention will serve as an awaking for government and other well-meaning organizations to support people living under this inhumane conditions,” she noted.
A fundraising activity was held briefly to raise funds for the start of the project.
Notable among the goodwill ambassadors were Ghanaian Gospel Musician Ohemaa Mercy, Highlife Artiste Kuami Eugene and Nana Otimpie Aben Ababio Otumfuohene Sasaamo Paninhene II.