Multilateral Relations
The Republic of Ghana joined the AU on 25th May, 1963.
Ghana’s relationship with the Commonwealth is a significant aspect of its international affiliations and history. Ghana became a member of the Commonwealth in 1957, immediately upon gaining independence from British colonial rule. The Commonwealth is a political association of 56 member states, most of which are former territories of the British Empire. Membership in the Commonwealth is based on free and equal voluntary cooperation among its members.
As a member of the Commonwealth, Ghana participates in various programs and initiatives aimed at promoting democracy, development, and cultural exchanges among member countries. The Commonwealth offers Ghana a platform for international cooperation and dialogue, including opportunities in education, governance, health, and economic development. Ghana has been an active participant in the Commonwealth Games and has taken advantage of the Commonwealth’s educational and scholarship programs. Ghana’s membership in the Commonwealth also underscores its commitment to the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, aligning with the Commonwealth Charter’s values.
Ghana’s engagement with the Commonwealth reflects its broader foreign policy objectives of promoting peace, stability, and development both regionally and globally. Through its involvement in the Commonwealth, Ghana continues to leverage international partnerships and networks to foster economic growth and development, enhance its global presence, and contribute to collective efforts aimed at addressing global challenges.
The Group of 77 (G77) at the United Nations is a coalition of developing nations, designed to promote its members’ collective economic interests and create an enhanced joint negotiating capacity in the UN. Over the years, the group has expanded from its 77 founding members to 134 member countries from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. China, although not officially a member, is considered a partner and contributes significantly to the group, leading to the informal name “G77 + China.” The G77 & China configuration, formally started in 1991 to emphasise cooperation between China and the G77.
The group focuses on various global issues, including economic development, environment, health, and trade. Ghana became a member of the G77 at its formation in 1964. Ghana’s involvement in the G77 signifies its active role in global south solidarity, aiming for greater representation and influence in international affairs, particularly in advocating for the interests of developing countries.
Ghana joined the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) on 9th May, 1957. ICAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that oversees international civil aviation standards and regulations. As a member of ICAO, Ghana participates in setting global standards for aviation safety, security, efficiency, and sustainability.
Ghana’s membership in ICAO allows the country to stay informed about international developments in civil aviation, collaborate with other member states to address common aviation challenges, and contribute to the development of policies and practices that promote safe and secure air travel.
Being part of ICAO also gives Ghana access to technical assistance, training programs, and resources to enhance its civil aviation capabilities and infrastructure. By adhering to ICAO standards and recommended practices, Ghana can ensure the safety and reliability of its aviation operations and foster international partnerships within the global aviation community.
Ghana is a member of the International Civil Defence Organisation (ICDO), an intergovernmental organisation that aims to strengthen cooperation and coordination among countries in the field of civil defence. The ICDO works to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of civil defence measures to protect people and property from disasters and emergencies. Ghana’s membership in the ICDO allows the country to collaborate with other member states, share knowledge and best practices, and contribute to global efforts to enhance civil defence capabilities. It also provides Ghana with access to resources, training, and technical assistance to better prepare for and respond to various emergencies and disasters.
The International Criminal Court (“the ICC” or “the Court”) is a permanent international court established to investigate, prosecute and try individuals accused of committing the most serious crimes of concern to the international community as a whole, namely the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression.
The idea of a system of international criminal justice re-emerged after the end of the Cold War. However, while negotiations on the ICC Statute were underway at the United Nations, the world was witnessing the commission of heinous crimes in the territory of the former Yugoslavia and in Rwanda. In response to these atrocities, the United Nations Security Council established an ad hoc tribunal for each of these situations. These events undoubtedly had a most significant impact on the decision to convene the conference, which established The ICC In Rome in The Summer of 1998.
Ghana was the 6th country to sign the Rome Statute on 18th July, 1998 and 4th State to ratify the treaty on 20thDecember, 1999 after the Ghana Parliament voted unanimously for its ratification. Since then, Ghana has been an active participant in the activities of the Court. At all times Ghana tries to ensure that the positions or decisions it take on matters of the ICC are in line with the provisions of the Rome Statute and at the same time consistent with its national interest.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a United Nations agency dedicated to promoting social justice and internationally recognized human and labor rights. Ghana has been a member of the ILO since its independence in 1957, and the relationship focuses on improving labor standards, promoting decent work, and fostering social protection.
Ghana actively participates in ILO meetings, conferences, and governing body sessions. This involvement allows Ghana to contribute to the development of international labor standards and to advocate for policies that address its labor market needs.
Ghana has ratified numerous ILO conventions, including core conventions on child labor, forced labor, discrimination, and freedom of association. By adhering to these conventions, Ghana commits to upholding international labor standards and improving working conditions. The ILO also provides Ghana with technical assistance and capacity-building support. This includes training for government officials, employers, and workers’ organizations to enhance their understanding and implementation of labor standards and policies
The ILO assists Ghana in developing and implementing social protection systems, including unemployment benefits, health insurance, and pension schemes. These systems help protect workers and their families from economic and social vulnerabilities. Through various programs, the ILO supports Ghana in creating employment opportunities, particularly for youth and women. This includes initiatives to enhance skills development, entrepreneurship, and access to finance.
The ILO provides support to Ghana in improving occupational safety and health standards. This includes developing policies, conducting training, and promoting safe working environments to prevent workplace accidents and diseases.
Ghana’s relationship with the ILO is instrumental in advancing labor rights, improving working conditions, and promoting decent work for all. Through this partnership, Ghana receives essential support in building a fair and inclusive labor market that contributes to its socio-economic development.
The Strategic Vision of IOM is anchored on 3 main pillars namely: Resilience, Mobility and Governance. This vision represents the organisation’s reflection on its needs and priorities, based on a landscape assessment of what the next decade will bring. The IOM became a related organisation of the United Nations in September 2016. The IOM supported the creation of the Global Compact for Migration, the first-ever intergovernmental agreement on international migration which was adopted in Marrakech, Morocco in December 2018.
To support the implementation, follow-up and review of the Global Compact on Migration, the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, established the UN Network on Migration. The secretariat of the UN Network on Migration is housed at the IOM and the Director General of the IOM serves as the Network Coordinator.
The vision of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) on migration, environment and climate change is that contemporary migration governance, policy and practice must reflect the significance of environmental, disaster and climate change factors on human mobility. Environmental factors must be integrated across all areas of migration management, such as: prevention, preparedness and response to displacement, border management, labour migration and integration, and return and reintegration.
Ghana’s relationship with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) dates back to 1987 and has since been contributing to the Government of Ghana’s efforts to manage migration effectively. IOM collaborates with its Ghanaian partners to promote safe migration, address growing migration challenges, advance understanding of migration issues, encourage social and economic development through migration, and protect the human dignity and well-being of all migrants.
IOM Ghana continues to stand with the Government of Ghana to ensure the full implementation of the Global Compact for Migration (GCM) in support of national development and to the benefit of Ghanaian migrants abroad as well as migrants in Ghana. The Global Compact builds on target 10.7 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in which Member States committed to cooperate internationally to facilitate safe, orderly and regular migration. IOM is an active member of the United Nations System in Ghana.
Ghana became a member of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on 14th January, 1993. As a member state, Ghana is committed to the objectives and principles of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) which aims to eliminate the development, production, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons. Ghana’s membership signifies its dedication to promoting peace and security by preventing the proliferation of chemical weapons. The country actively participates in OPCW activities, including verification measures, annual declarations, and capacity-building efforts to ensure compliance with the CWC. The country contributes to disarmament initiatives, participates in inspections, and submits reports on its chemical-related activities to the OPCW.
The United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) is a subsidiary body of the United Nations General Assembly responsible for promoting the harmonization and unification of international trade law. It was established in 1966 to address legal obstacles to international trade and to facilitate the smooth operation of international commerce. Ghana has been a member of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) since July 10, 1968.
Ghana’s relationship with UNCITRAL involves actively contributing to the development of international trade law frameworks. This includes participating in the negotiation and adoption of UNCITRAL conventions, model laws, and legislative guides that aim to enhance legal certainty and promote fair practices in international trade.
Ghana engages in UNCITRAL’s sessions and working groups, contributing to the formulation of international trade laws, conventions, and model laws. This participation ensures that Ghana’s perspectives and interests are represented in the global trade law landscape.
UNCITRAL provides Ghana with technical assistance and capacity-building support. This helps Ghanaian legal practitioners, judges, and policymakers better understand and implement international trade laws, thereby improving the country’s legal infrastructure and its ability to handle complex trade disputes.
Overall, Ghana’s relationship with UNCITRAL underscores its commitment to improving its trade laws, enhancing its legal framework for international commerce, and contributing to the global efforts in creating a more predictable and equitable trade environment.
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) was established in 1964 to support developing countries in integrating into the global economy and achieving sustainable development. Ghana has been an active member of UNCTAD since its inception, and the relationship focuses on trade, investment, finance, and technology.
Ghana is an active participant in UNCTAD’s conferences, meetings, and expert groups. This involvement allows Ghana to contribute to discussions on global trade and development issues and to advocate for policies that benefit developing countries.
UNCTAD provides Ghana with technical assistance and policy advice aimed at enhancing trade and development. This includes support in areas such as trade policy formulation, investment promotion, and sustainable development strategies. Ghana also benefits from UNCTAD’s capacity-building programs, which aim to strengthen the institutional and human capacities of developing countries. These programs cover various topics, including trade negotiations, investment treaties, competition policy, and e-commerce.
Additionally, UNCTAD conducts research and analysis on global economic trends and their implications for developing countries. Ghana also utilizes these insights to inform its trade and development policies, ensuring they are based on robust data and analysis.
Lastly, UNCTAD supports Ghana in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) by providing policy advice and best practices on creating an enabling investment climate. This helps Ghana improve its competitiveness and attract more investments to drive economic growth.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the United Nations’ global development network. It works in over 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilience to crises and shocks. The UNDP focuses on sustainable development goals (SDGs), democratic governance, crisis prevention and recovery, and environmental sustainability.
Ghana has been a member of the UNDP since its independence in 1957. The relationship between Ghana and the UNDP is centered on cooperation to advance Ghana’s development agenda. This includes technical assistance, capacity building, policy advice, and financial support for various development projects. The UNDP works closely with Ghanaian government agencies, civil society organizations, and other partners to implement programs that promote inclusive growth, improve healthcare and education, strengthen governance, and enhance environmental sustainability.
The UNDP supports advocacy efforts in Ghana to raise awareness about development issues and promote sustainable practices among the public and private sectors. They also work towards achieving the SDGs, focusing on poverty reduction, gender equality, environmental sustainability, and inclusive economic growth.
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Ghana became a member of UNICEF in 1957. In Ghana, UNICEF has been actively involved in a range of initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of children. This partnership focuses on critical areas such as health, nutrition, education, water, sanitation, and child protection. UNICEF’s efforts in Ghana are geared towards ensuring that children have access to basic services necessary for their well-being, advocating for children’s rights, and supporting the Ghanaian government in implementing policies and programs that benefit children and their families.
UNICEF’s work in Ghana particularly emphasizes strengthening the healthcare system to reduce child mortality and improve maternal health, enhancing the quality of education and ensuring that it is accessible to all children, including those in remote areas or from disadvantaged backgrounds. The organization also works on improving water and sanitation facilities in schools and communities, which is crucial for preventing diseases and promoting healthy living conditions. Additionally, UNICEF advocates for the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and abuse, and supports social inclusion programs to ensure that no child is left behind.
The collaboration between Ghana and UNICEF reflects Ghana’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of its youngest citizens and addressing the various challenges they face. Through these efforts, Ghana aims to achieve sustainable development and ensure that all children can realize their full potential in a safe and supportive environment.
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism. Hence, Ghana is an active member of the UNWTO, and its relationship with the organization is focused on leveraging tourism for sustainable development, economic growth, and cultural promotion.
Ghana became a member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 1975. Since then, it has actively engaged with the organization to develop and promote its tourism sector, focusing on sustainable and responsible tourism practices. Ghana is a member of the UNWTO, actively participating in its activities, conferences, and programs. This membership allows Ghana to stay informed about global tourism trends and best practices.Through its relationship with the UNWTO, Ghana receives support in developing its tourism sector. This includes assistance in marketing and promoting Ghana as a tourist destination, highlighting its rich cultural heritage, historical sites, and natural attractions.
The UNWTO supports Ghana in promoting its cultural heritage, including festivals, traditional arts, and historical landmarks. This not only attracts tourists but also helps preserve and celebrate Ghana’s cultural identity.
Ghana joined the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in October, 1957, an international organisation that coordinates postal policies among member countries and ensures the free flow of international mail. As a member of the UPU, Ghana benefits from the organisation’s efforts to standardize postal services worldwide, improve international postal cooperation, and develop new technologies and solutions to meet the evolving needs of the postal sector. Ghana’s membership in the UPU allows the country to connect with other postal administrations, exchange mail and parcels efficiently, and enhance its postal infrastructure to better serve its citizens and businesses. Additionally, being part of the UPU enables Ghana to participate in global discussions on postal matters and contribute to shaping the future of the postal industry.
Ghana’s membership in the Universal Postal Union (UPU) holds significant importance for the country in terms of its postal services and international connections. As a member of the UPU, Ghana gains access to a global network of postal operators and benefits from standardized practices and regulations that facilitate international mail exchange. This membership allows Ghana to establish reliable and efficient postal services, enhance its connectivity with other countries, and promote trade and communication through the postal system. By participating in the UPU, Ghana has the opportunity to engage in discussions on postal policies, share best practices, and contribute to the development of the international postal sector. Overall, Ghana’s membership in the UPU plays a crucial role in supporting the country’s postal infrastructure and promoting collaboration in the global postal community.
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to promoting the protection of intellectual property (IP) rights worldwide. Ghana has been a member of WIPO since 1976, and its relationship with the organization involves various aspects of intellectual property management and development.
As a member, Ghana actively participates in WIPO’s assemblies, meetings, and committees, contributing to the formulation of global IP policies and standards. WIPO on the other hand, provides technical assistance to Ghana in developing and updating its national IP laws and regulations. This ensures that Ghana’s IP framework aligns with international standards and best practices, facilitating better protection and enforcement of IP rights.
WIPO conducts various capacity-building programs and training workshops for Ghanaian IP professionals, including patent examiners, trademark attorneys, and policymakers. These initiatives help enhance the skills and expertise needed to manage and protect IP effectively.
WIPO collaborates with Ghana to promote innovation and creativity. This involves supporting initiatives that encourage research and development, fostering an environment conducive to technological advancement, and protecting the rights of inventors, creators, and entrepreneurs.
Ghana benefits from WIPO-administered global IP systems, such as the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) and the Madrid System for international trademark registration. These systems streamline the process of obtaining IP protection in multiple countries, making it easier for Ghanaian innovators and businesses to safeguard their IP internationally.
Ghana has been a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) since January 1, 1995, the same day the WTO was established. The relationship between Ghana and the WTO is crucial for the country’s participation in the global trading system, promoting trade liberalization, and ensuring that trade policies align with international standards.
As a member of the WTO, Ghana participates in various WTO councils, committees, and working groups. This active participation allows Ghana to contribute to the formulation of global trade rules and policies and to represent its interests in multilateral trade negotiations.
Ghana undergoes regular Trade Policy Reviews by the WTO, which assess the country’s trade policies and practices. These reviews provide an opportunity for Ghana to receive feedback and recommendations from other WTO members and to demonstrate its commitment to transparency and adherence to WTO agreements.
Ghana benefits from the WTO’s efforts to reduce trade barriers and increase market access for its goods and services. By being part of the multilateral trading system, Ghana exports its products under more favorable conditions, which boosts its economic growth and development.
The WTO supports initiatives that help Ghanaian SMEs integrate into the global trading system. This includes providing resources and tools that enable SMEs to navigate international markets, comply with trade regulations, and enhance their competitiveness.
Ghana’s relationship with the WTO is fundamental to its economic strategy, as it provides a platform for integrating into the global economy, improving trade practices, and fostering sustainable economic growth. This partnership helps Ghana leverage the benefits of international trade while addressing challenges and promoting its development objectives.