Ablakwa engages key African and European women leaders on Africa’s future at UNGA

Story by: Regina Bless

Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has held separate high-level engagements with three prominent women leaders on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

The Minister described the engagements as an honour, highlighting discussions with UN Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on Africa, Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa; President and CEO of the International Crisis Group, Dr. Comfort Ero; and European Union Special Representative for the Sahel, Ms. Birgitte Markussen.

The meetings focused on a range of issues concerning Africa’s development, peace, integration and economic sovereignty.

Among the key areas discussed were reparatory justice, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Accra Reset Agenda for Health and Resource Sovereignty, regional integration, conflict resolution and efforts to address violent extremism in the Sahel.

The engagements also provided an opportunity to discuss President John Mahama’s vision for Ghana’s leadership of the African Union (AU) and ways of strengthening collaboration between Ghana and the organisations represented by the three leaders.

The Foreign Affairs Minister said the discussions were aimed at identifying practical areas where Ghana and its international partners can work together to advance Africa’s interests and respond to some of the continent’s pressing challenges.

Ablakwa also expressed optimism about the increasing participation of women in influential positions within the international community, saying their leadership and contributions continue to make a significant difference.

The engagements form part of Ghana’s diplomatic activities during the UN General Assembly, with the country seeking to strengthen international partnerships while advancing discussions on Africa’s priorities.