According to the Embassy, it “regrets the mistaken vote of Ghana against the State of Israel during the Special United Nation’s (UN) General Assembly sitting on Thursday, 21 December 2017, as the Assembly adopted a resolution regarding Israel’s capital Jerusalem.”

[contextly_sidebar id=”9zOT6KfVG6xDjk9UtnNtf0L1w9nvBtmT”]It said it was hopeful that Ghana will not repeat “such mistake” in subsequent motions before the General Assembly.

Ghana was among the 128 countries that endorsed a position that Jerusalem, which is being claimed by Israel and Palestine as capital, can only be said to be Israel’s capital after a peace deal is reached.

At an emergency session of United Nations on Thursday, only 9 countries, including the US and Israel, voted against the position of waiting until consensus has been built on the matter.

The US Ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, ahead of the votes threatened that the US will remember countries that “disrespected” it by voting against it.

The US government had also threatened to cut funding to countries that did not back its position.

She said the US “would be taking names…When we make generous contributions to the UN, we also have expectation that we will be respected…What’s more, we are being asked to pay for the dubious privileges of being disrespected.”

“If our investment fails, we have an obligation to spend our investment in other ways… The United States will remember this day,” she said.

Donald Trump, while speaking at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, said “Let them vote against us… We’ll save a lot. We don’t care. But this isn’t like it used to be where they could vote against you and then you pay them hundreds of millions of dollars,” he said.

“We’re not going to be taken advantage of any longer” he added.

Despite the threat, countries such as Nigeria, Congo, Ivory Coast, Namibia, Mali, and Zimbabwe all voted against the US’ position.

Israel, which stands in the same position as the US that Jerusalem is its rightful capital, was one of the nine countries including the US that voted against the motion.

H.E Ami Mehl, Israel’s Ambassador to Ghana in a statement copied to citifmonline.com, described Thursday’s vote as a “farce”, saying it will not affect their recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Read the Israel Embassy’s statement below:

The vote against the United States (US) by the United Nation’s General Assembly special sitting on Thursday, 21 December 2017 is nothing but a farce. The UN cannot dictate to Israel or any other country which of its cities it has to recognize as a capital. In the same regard, the UN cannot dictate to the US or any other country whether or not to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and where to site their embassies in Israel.

This voting by the UN General Assembly is meaningless from the view point of International Law. It is therefore evident that, the Palestinians are using all forms of diplomatic efforts in international organizations to fight against Israel instead of engaging in direct negotiations with Israel for the sake of peace.

As stated by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel completely rejects this resolution. Jerusalem was, is and will always remain the eternal capital of Israel.

The Embassy of the State of Israel in Ghana therefore regrets the mistaken vote of Ghana against the State of Israel during the Special United Nation’s (UN) General Assembly sitting on Thursday, 21 December 2017 as the assembly adopted a resolution regarding Israel’s capital Jerusalem. We hope such mistake will not be repeated by Ghana in subsequent motions.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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[contextly_sidebar id=”cbY95otR19nFC573yFiyNLkI96Ax9oUG”]The meeting was on the side-lines of the 72nd United Nations General Assembly meeting in the US.

The two leaders exchanged views on the situation in the Republic of Ghana and the sub-region and discussed some of the challenges confronting the continent, including terrorism and violent extremism.

The Secretary-General commended Akufo-Addo for his commitment as the co-chair of the group of 17 eminent Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) advocates, to the achievement of the SDGs.

António Guterres also commended Ghana for its immense contribution to the resolution of the recent post-electoral crisis in the Republic of The Gambia.

President Akufo-Addo has been in the US for the past week leading the country’s delegation for the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly.

While there, he participated in UN Sustainable Development Goals-related events and delivered his maiden UN General Assembly speech which called on the UN to urgently initiate key reforms.

Others on the trip include the First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo; Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shirley Ayorkor Botchway and Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Otiko Afisa Djaba; Deputy Minister for Energy, Mohammed Amin Adam; and officials from the Presidency.

President Akufo-Addo is expected back in the country later today Sunday, September, 24.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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The 8 Heads of State present at the meeting were President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria, President Alasanne Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire, President Jacob Zuma of South Africa, President Macky Sall of Senegal, President Alpha Conde of Guinea, who is also Chairperson of the African Union, President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, and President Hage Geingob of Namibia.

The talk was on US-African relations.

In his remarks, President Trump noted that in the 8 African leaders gathered at the meeting, “I see partners for promoting prosperity and peace on a range of economic, humanitarian, and security issues”.

The US President indicated further that his administration is committed to extending partnerships with the 9 countries, because they “are committed to self-reliance and to fostering opportunities for job creation in both Africa and the United States.”

Of the world’s ten fastest-growing economies, President Trump noted that six are in Africa, and, thus, increasing American trade and investment across diverse industries — including agriculture, energy, transportation, healthcare, travel, and tourism — will further transform lives throughout Africa.

He reiterated the commitment of the United States to partner with countries and organizations, like the African Union, that lead successful efforts to end violence, to prevent the spread of terrorism, and to respond to humanitarian crises.

“Terrorist groups, such as ISIS, al-Shabaab, Boko Haram, and al Qaeda also threaten African peace. The United States is proud to work with you to eradicate terrorist safe havens, to cut off their finances, and to discredit their depraved ideology,” he added.

On the issue of North Korea, President Trump stated that the world faces an enormous security threat from the North Korean regime, and urged all nations to “stand together and be accountable in implementing United Nations sanctions and resolutions in response to North Korea’s hostile and menacing actions.”

A free, independent, and democratic nation, he stressed, “in all cases, is the best vehicle for human happiness and success.”

Present also at the meeting were Foreign Ministers of the 8 African countries present; US Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson; Chief of Staff, Gen. John Kelly; the Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Nikki Haley; and other representatives of the US government.

On behalf of the African Presidents gathered, and on behalf of the African Union, President Alpha Conde thanked President Trump for the courtesy of the invitation to discuss issues bordering on the strengthening of US-Africa relations.

He noted that the 21^st century will see Africa take its rightful place on the world stage, and will without doubt be a century in which Africans are going to are going to count for more and in a decisive way, because there is an ever-greater determination among Africa’s leaders and youth that the hour of renewal has arrived.

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Credit: Flagstaff House

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The President said the benefits the country will derive from the policy makes it imperative for it to find avenues for its sustenance.

[contextly_sidebar id=”U6qjZjKgjmbUQyYTWNDo3FwtnvvYMMbs”]‘’This programme is a very important one, and we will find ways to sustain it,” the President said.

Nana Akufo-Akufo said though there have been a few challenges following the implementation of the programme, “government will look at all these challenges and fine-tune it moving forward.”

“Every new programme has its own problems, and the free SHS policy is no different, but we will surely get there,’’ he assured.

President Akufo-Addo has been criticized by the Minority in Parliament who say the programme cannot be sustained.

But speaking at a dinner on Sunday in New York, Nana Akufo Addo said: “I know what the Minority and other people have said about this programme –that we don’t have money to maintain it and the rest. I want to tell them today that we will find a way of maintaining this programme. We will definitely look for ways to sustain it.”

Nana Akufo-Addo is in New York with his wife, Rebecca Akufo Addo for the 72nd UN General Assembly meeting.

President Akufo-Addo is also expected to deliver a speech on the theme “Africa Beyond Aid,” at the 5th Annual International Conference on Sustainable Development, at the Earth Institute, Columbia University in New York.

He is expected to hold bilateral talks with some colleague Heads of State, as well as with some CEOs of some global enterprises.

On September 19, the President will receive the National Achievement Award, on behalf of Ghanaians, at an event organised by the Africa-America Institute.

On September 21, President Akufo-Addo will deliver his maiden address to the UN General Assembly, and hold a meeting with the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, on September 22.

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By: Sammi Wiafe/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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President Akufo-Addo will also deliver a speech on the theme “Africa Beyond Aid”, at the 5^th Annual International Conference on Sustainable Development, at the Earth Institute, Columbia University in New York.

On September 19, President Akufo-Addo will be conferred with the National Achievement Award, on behalf of the people of Ghana, at an event organised by the Africa-America Institute.

On September 21, President Akufo-Addo will deliver his maiden address to the UN General Assembly, and hold a meeting with UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, on September 22.

He is being accompanied by the First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo; Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shirley Ayorkor Botchway and Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Otiko Afisa Djaba; Deputy Minister for Energy, Mohammed Amin Adam; and officials from the Presidency.

President Akufo-Addo is expected back in Ghana on September, 24.

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By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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He first acknowledged the staff and management of Transcorp Power, the biggest producer of thermal energy in Nigeria, providing about 18 per cent of national output.

“In accepting this award, I want to dedicate it to Transcorp Power staff who remain committed to realizing our dream of improving access to electricity in Nigeria and making our vision of a well-lit, fully powered Nigeria come true.”

Transcorp Power has supported US President Obama’s Power Africa initiative with a $ 2.5 billion commitment.

Mr. Elumelu thanked the broader coalition of investors in the African power sector, as he urged other institutional investors to consider long-term opportunities on the continent.

“I also dedicate this to all stakeholders working hard to improve access to power in Africa. I call on others to please join us in this journey to powering Africa out of poverty.”

As the economies of African regional powerhouses like Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Uganda, Nigeria and Angola prices caused by limited diversification, Elumelu proffered a sustainable solution to reduce Africa’s historical external vulnerability.

He noted: “Africa has been faced with this same challenge, in my view, for far too long. I choose to look at the recent episodes of economic contraction across the continent as opportunities to diversify our economies and invest in building critical infrastructure, especially in power, to reduce our susceptibility to commodity shocks and break out of the perpetual boom-bust cycles.”

Mr Elumelu emphasized that to ensure a different type of growth trajectory for Africa – one that does not rely exclusively on the export of primary commodities – there must be reliable, accessible, affordable power to support industrialisation.

“Industrialisation must occur on a massive scale for our countries to be powered out of chronic dependency on commodities.

“We must power Africa’s next phase of development, by targeting and prioritising growth of our manufacturing, industries and services. And power is the fulcrum that will make this happen,” he said.

Mr Elumelu said while there is an abundance of private capital available to be deployed to develop the African power sector, government must play its part in attracting these investments.

He explained: “While there is huge private capital – local and global – seeking investment destinations, as we know, global private capital goes to where it is most welcome. Therefore, the challenge before African governments should be how to ensure they create the environment that will attract and retain these investments in our continent.”

To the foreign investors gathered at the forum, he advised: “Though there are challenges in investing in Africa, these challenges can be overcome by investing in Africa through partnerships with qualified local partners who possess the right knowledge, requisite capital and technical know how.”

Mr Elumelu urged private and public sector stakeholders to work together in what he describes as “Shared Purpose”.

“It is critical for the public and private sectors to work together in “Shared Purpose’, which is a key tenet of Africapitalism – the economic philosophy I espouse which calls for the private sector to play a key role in Africa’s social and economic development by investing in strategic sectors for both economic profit and social prosperity.”

Mr Elumelu, who is also Co-chair of the African Energy Leaders Group a community of African energy leaders including presidents and leading corporate said: “In the 21st century, the level of poverty we have in Africa and the dire youth unemployment, to a large extent, can be solved by improving access to power.

“And by extension other infrastructure deficiencies and deficits, even though we are making progress, there is still a lot to be done. We need faster progress.”

–

Source: GNA

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Even though majority of African countries depend heavily on foreign aid for budgetary support and developmental projects, President Mahama audaciously declared at the on-going 71^st General Assembly that, Africa needs a fair chance to trade with the rest of the world instead of sympathy or overseas development assistance.

“Some of the young Africans who hazard the desert and Mediterranean Sea to cross to Europe from my country are young poultry farmers or other entrepreneurs who sell their shops and undertake the journey because they can no longer compete with the tons of frozen chicken dumped on African markets annually, or the adverse business environment they have to face. Africa does not need your sympathy or Overseas Development Assistance. Africa needs a fair chance to trade with the rest of the world and amongst ourselves,” he added.

He further called on colleague African leaders to build stronger economic ties to create a thriving business environment.

“We can achieve a lot in collaboration with the rest of the world and yet we must realize that a lot rests within our own capacity to achieve as Africans.”

Don’t force democracy on Africa

President John Dramani Mahama also told western countries to stop forcing democracy on Africa.

According to him, Africa like many other developed continents made mistakes which they learnt lessons from before progressing, hence Africa must be given same opportunity.

“Democracy is not a one size fits all system, different countries are at different stages of the democratic journey. Democracy evolves and cannot be forced on the people. It doesn’t help for biggest powers to go proselytizing democracy across the continent, it can have its negative consequences as we are experiencing in parts of North Africa and the Middle East, but still a properly functioning peer system can avoid some of the meltdowns we are experiencing in some African countries due to the desire to stay in office interminably.”

“The mistake with Africa is that we are seen as homogenous unit and treated as such not taking cognizance that we are a whole continent with different aspirations, different cultures, democracies and even economic development.  Human progress is not a seamless progress forward; it encompasses periods of reversal, mistakes, fumbling and even falling. All parts of the world have been through this, they have learnt from their mistakes, they’ve picked themselves up after a fall and they’ve continued moving forward. Africa must be allowed the same latitude,” he added.

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By: Caleb Kudah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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Earlier the Electoral Commission raised red flags over the volatility of Ghana’s electoral atmosphere citing the proliferation of small unlicensed arms among Ghanaians, and joblessness among the youth as some triggers that could lead to electoral violence.

However, speaking at the 71^st United General Assembly in New York later today, President Mahama declared that Ghana will repeat her electoral success stories over the years.

“Ghana is a leading democracy in Africa. I stand before the world to declare that just as we have done in the past, my country will go to the polls this December and the processes before, during and after will mark a further consolidation of Ghana’s credentials as a leading world democracy.”

He however lamented the under-representation of African states in the United Nations Security Council.

He described the situation as a scar on the conscience of the world’s most leading advocate for democracy.

“The United Nations Security Council remains an important source of legitimacy for international action on peace and security. While Africa accounts for close to one third of the UN membership and nearly two-thirds of the work of the Council, it remains woefully under-represented in the permanent and non-permanent category. Eleven long years after the AU adopted the Ezelwini consensus, we are nowhere near achieving a more equitable reform of the UN Security Council. This will continue to remain a scar on the conscience of this world body if not remedied.”

Don’t force democracy on Africa – Mahama to the West 

President John Dramani Mahama earlier appealed to the western countries to stop forcing democracy on Africa.

According to him, Africa like many other developed continents in the world made mistakes which they learnt lessons from before progressing hence Africa must be given same opportunity.

“Democracy is not a one size fits all system, different countries are at different stages of the democratic journey. Democracy evolves and cannot be forced on the people. It doesn’t help for biggest powers to go proselytizing democracy across the continent, it can have its negative consequences as we are experiencing in parts of North Africa and the Middle East, but still a properly functioning peer system can avoid some of the meltdowns we are experiencing in some African countries due to the desire to stay in office interminably.”

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By: Caleb Kudah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post December polls will consolidate Ghana’s democracy – Mahama appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The president lamented about challenges some Africans encounter while migrating to Europe via the Mediterranean Sea and also used the opportunity to court support for the continent.

President Mahama also highlighted some of the progress made by African government with regards to governance, free speech, technology among others.

He also appealed to the developed countries not to force democracy on Africa since it could adversely affect the progress of the continent.

The President also expressed gratitude to the United General Assembly and countries that supported the fight against the deadly Ebola Virus which affected some African countries in 2014.

Click here for full speech:

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By: citifmonline.com/Ghana

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According to him, Africa like many other developed continents in the world made mistakes which they learnt lessons from before progressing hence Africa must be given same opportunity.

“Democracy is not a one size fits all system, different countries are at different stages of the democratic journey. Democracy evolves and cannot be forced on the people. It doesn’t help for biggest powers to go proselytizing democracy across the continent, it can have its negative consequences as we are experiencing in parts of North Africa and the Middle East, but still a properly functioning peer system can avoid some of the meltdowns we are experiencing in some African countries due to the desire to stay in office interminably.”

“The mistake with Africa is that we are seen as homogenous unit and treated as such not taking cognizance that we are a whole continent with different aspirations, different cultures, democracies and even economic development.  Human progress is not a seamless progress forward; it encompasses periods of reversal, mistakes, fumbling and even falling. All parts of the world have been through this, they have learnt from their mistakes, they’ve picked themselves up after a fall and they’ve continued moving forward. Africa must be allowed the same latitude,” he said while addressing the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly today, Wednesday.

President Mahama also said Africa has the potential of being the next fastest growing continent in the world hence must be given the opportunity.

He explained though the African continent has improved in several areas including governance, freedom of speech among others, surge in number of free media and civil society organizations a lot more can be done if African is given the space.

“Africa is a continent of 54 countries at different stages of progress and development and there must be room for us to make our mistakes and learn from those mistakes. Africa has the potential to be the next continent on the rise, there is a lot going for Africa.It has the fastest growing population, middle class, information and technology in the world.

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By: Godwin A. Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @AlloteyGodwin

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