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Story by, Paul Mensah Nsor
Accra, Ghana - The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) has launched its 10th anniversary in Ghana, marking a decade of partnership, innovation, and sustainable development in the country. The launch event brought together government officials, partners, and stakeholders to reflect on UNOPS' achievements and reaffirm its commitment to supporting Ghana's development agenda.
Sonja Leighton Kone, Deputy Executive Director for Management and Policy of UNOPS, emphasized the organization's dedication to creating meaningful change in Ghana, citing achievements in agriculture, healthcare, and climate resilience.
Over the past decade, UNOPS has trained over 2,300 farmers in climate-adaptive practices, procured over $26 million worth of critical medical equipment and supplies, developed a groundbreaking adaptation investment roadmap, and equipped 25 government institutions with innovative open-source tools for climate planning.
UNOPS' work in Ghana is guided by a unique approach, combining UN values with private sector discipline. The organization's self-financing, non-profit business model has earned it a reputation for efficiency and effectiveness.
"UNOPS is unlike other UN entities," said Zia Choudhury, UN Resident Coordinator in Ghana. "They're low-key, professional, humble, and most importantly, they get things done."
Mr. Choudhury highlighted UNOPS' contributions to Ghana's development, including climate resilience, infrastructure planning, youth employment, health system strengthening, and energy transition. He emphasized the importance of moving beyond conceptual discussions and pilots to focus on "bankable" projects that can genuinely transform systems and communities.
The anniversary launch comes at a critical time of UN reform, initiated by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. UNOPS is positioned to play a crucial role in this transformative period, combining UN values with private sector discipline.
As UNOPS enters its second decade in Ghana, it remains committed to supporting the country's development agenda, focusing on climate finance, resilience, and youth opportunities.
- Agricultural empowerment: climate-resilient infrastructure and training for farmers.
- Healthcare support: procurement of medical equipment and supplies.
- Climate resilience: adaptation investment roadmap and open-source tools for government institutions.
- Youth employment: initiatives to create opportunities for Ghana's youth.
- "UNOPS is honored to be part of Ghana's journey, working together to create a more resilient, prosperous future." - Sonja Leighton Kone, Assistant Secretary-General, UNOPS
- "UNOPS is unlike other UN entities. They're low-key, professional, humble, and most importantly, they get things done." - Zia Choudhury, UN Resident Coordinator in Ghana
