Ghana National Commission for UNESCO: Promoting Global Welfare

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The Ghana National Commission for UNESCO (Ghana Natcom) serves as the official liaison between the Government of Ghana and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This commission plays a crucial role in fostering international cooperation and advancing UNESCO's objectives within Ghana.

Structure and Membership

The Commission comprises at least 35 members drawn from relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), institutions, and non-governmental organizations. Members of the Commission are appointed based on their roles within these entities. The Commission convenes in plenary sessions twice a year, typically in March/April and September/October.

Key positions within the Commission include:

  • Chairman: Hon. Dr.
  • Vice-Chairman: Ms.
  • Secretary-General: Mrs.

Specialized committees are chaired by experts in respective fields, such as Mr. George Sarpong for Legal and Administrative Matters and Prof.

Organs of the Commission

The Commission consists of the following organs:

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  • The General Assembly
  • The Executive Committee
  • The Secretariat of the Commission
  • The Permanent Delegation of Ghana to UNESCO
  • Programme Specialised Committees
  • National Committees for Inter-governmental Programmes
  • Any other organ that the President, in consultation with the General Assembly, may consider appropriate.

Functions of the Commission

The object of the Commission is to perform the functions of UNESCO in the country as a contribution of the country to global peace, poverty alleviation, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue.

To achieve this object, the Commission undertakes several functions:

  • Liaises with Ministries, Departments and Agencies for the advancement of education, the sciences, cultures and communication with the aim of promoting mutual knowledge and understanding of the work of UNESCO towards the common welfare of humankind.
  • Contributes to the maintenance of peace, security and the common welfare of humankind by participating in the activities of UNESCO.
  • Implements projects of UNESCO in the country.
  • Participates, with the assistance of the United Nations, in the planning and execution of activities entrusted to UNESCO in the country.
  • Advises the Government on policies regarding UNESCO and the programmes of UNESCO.
  • Fosters co-operation among Government, Ministries, Departments and Agencies, professionals and other associations and academia on matters regarding UNESCO.
  • Is responsible for the dissemination of information on UNESCO.
  • Organises fundraising activities to raise moneys for the Commission; and
  • Undertakes activities which are ancillary to the object of the Commission.

Key Activities and Engagements

The Ghana National Commission for UNESCO is actively involved in various initiatives and events to promote UNESCO's goals. For example, H.E. Ambassador Addy delivered Ghana’s national policy statement at the UNESCO General Conference, reaffirming the country’s leadership in education reform, science, culture, and innovation. This underscores Ghana's commitment to UNESCO's mission and its proactive role in shaping global policies.

Alvin Wenia Adigao, a youth climate advocate from Ghana, joined 140+ young leaders to champion Climate Action and Social Impacts at the 14th UNESCO Youth Forum in Samarkand. His powerful message: it’s time to move beyond discussion and drive real change for a sustainable future.

The Executive Committee oversees the activities of the Secretariat and specialized committees, ensuring effective and efficient operations.

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Impact and Leadership

Ghana has produced notable figures who have significantly contributed to the UN's mission such as Kofi Annan, Hanna Tetteh, and Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee. Their leadership has shaped the UN’s mission for a better world. The Ghana Commission for UNESCO continues to build on this legacy by actively participating in and promoting UNESCO's programs and initiatives.

THE ROLE OF UNESCO IN GHANA'S EDUCATION

The Ghana Commission For UNESCO Act

The Ghana Commission For UNESCO was established by an Act of Parliament. Key aspects of the act include:

  1. Establishment of the Ghana Commission for UNESCO: The Ghana Commission for UNESCO is established as a body corporate, allowing it to acquire and hold property, dispose of property, and enter into contracts.
  2. Object of the Commission: The Commission aims to perform UNESCO's functions in Ghana, contributing to global peace, poverty alleviation, sustainable development, and intercultural dialogue.
  3. Functions of the Commission:
    • Liaising with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to advance education, sciences, cultures, and communication.
    • Contributing to peace and security through participation in UNESCO activities.
    • Implementing UNESCO projects in Ghana.
    • Advising the Government on policies related to UNESCO.
    • Fostering cooperation among government bodies, professionals, and academia.
    • Disseminating information on UNESCO.
    • Organizing fundraising activities.
  4. Organs of the Commission:
    • The General Assembly (highest decision-making body)
    • The Executive Committee
    • The Secretariat of the Commission
    • The Permanent Delegation of Ghana to UNESCO
    • Programme Specialised Committees
    • National Committees for Inter-governmental Programmes
    • Any other organ that the President may consider appropriate

General Assembly

The General Assembly is the highest decision-making body of the Commission, responsible to the President. It consists of:

  • The Minister responsible for Education as the chairperson
  • The Chief Director of the Ministry responsible for Education as the vice-chairperson
  • Chief Directors of various Ministries (Science, Culture, Information, Communication, Gender, Youth and Sports, and Foreign Affairs)
  • The Permanent Representative of Ghana to UNESCO
  • The representative of Ghana to the Executive Board of UNESCO
  • Chairpersons of the National UNESCO Inter-governmental Councils and programme specialised Committees
  • The chairperson of the Executive Committee
  • A representative of Vice-Chancellors, Ghana
  • Two members of Parliament nominated by the Speaker of Parliament
  • The heads of centres of excellence of UNESCO in the country
  • The Secretary-General as the Secretary to the General Assembly
  • A representative of the National House of Chiefs
  • Not more than five representatives nominated by the Executive Committee from non-Governmental institutions, professional unions, eminent scientists, journalists, artists, youth organisations, women organisations, and persons with expertise in an area of competence of UNESCO

Functions of the General Assembly

The General Assembly shall:

  • Advise the President on policies with regard to UNESCO and programmes of UNESCO.
  • Approve the budget and work plan of the Secretariat of the Commission.
  • Recommend for the approval of the President, the establishment of committees and organs of the Commission.
  • Set specific priorities for the Commission within the framework of available resources.
  • Determine broadly the policy directions that relate to UNESCO.
  • Perform any other function that the President may determine.

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee is responsible to the General Assembly and consists of:

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  • The chairperson nominated by the Minister
  • The Secretary-General
  • The chairpersons of the programme specialised committees of the Commission
  • Two other persons, one with relevant legal expertise and the other with relevant financial expertise, both nominated by the Minister, at least, one of whom is a woman

Functions of the Executive Committee

The Executive Committee shall:

  • Ensure that the Secretariat of the Commission implements the decisions of the General Assembly and performs any other function of the Secretariat of the Commission under this Act.
  • Be responsible for the sound and proper financial management of the Secretariat of the Commission.
  • Recommend the approval of the budget of the Secretariat of the Commission by the General Assembly.
  • Subject to this Act, shall exercise general control over the management of the Secretariat of the Commission on matters of policy related to the Commission.

Secretariat of the Commission

The Secretariat of the Commission serves as the official channel of communication between the Government of Ghana and UNESCO and operates under the supervision of the Executive Committee.

Functions of the Secretariat

The Secretariat of the Commission shall:

  • Advise the Government on policies in respect of UNESCO and programmes of UNESCO.
  • Serve as a liaison agency between a Ministry, Department or Agency of Government and UNESCO for the advancement of education, science, culture and communication with the aim of advancing mutual knowledge and understanding of the work of UNESCO towards the common welfare of humankind.
  • Disseminate information from UNESCO to relevant institutions in the country and vice versa.
  • Exchange information and experiences with counterparts in member States of UNESCO.
  • Foster close co-operation between State agencies and services, professionals and universities, and general conferences and other inter-governmental meetings convened by UNESCO.
  • Participate in the search for candidates to occupy vacant posts at UNESCO, financed under the regular programme or from extra-budgetary resources.
  • Participate in the placement of UNESCO Fellowship holders.
  • Participate in the planning and execution of activities entrusted to UNESCO which are undertaken with the assistance of the United Nations in the country.
  • Prepare the annual budget of the Commission.

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