The Minister for Education and Chairman of the National Commission for UNESCO in Ghana, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has called for an enhanced partnership between the Ghana Commission for the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and all stakeholders, especially the private sector, to harness the various platforms UNESCO avails in order to promote peace in the minds of humankind through education, the natural and social sciences, culture, communication and information.

The Minister made these remarks when he paid glowing tribute to the warm relations that exist between Ghana and UNESCO at the launch of the 60th anniversary of the Ghana National Commission for UNESCO in Accra.

The event, which took place at the forecourt of the Ministry for Education, was attended by Ministers of State, members of the Diplomatic Corps, heads of various government departments and agencies and former members of the commission.

In an address, Dr. Prempeh, who is also the Chairman of the Ghana Commission for UNESCO recalled that on 11^th April 1958, the commission became a full-fledged member of the global body, having begun life as a small committee for UNESCO affairs back in 1953.

He recounted that among the many positive outcomes from Ghana’s association with UNESCO have been the establishment of the Department of Library and Archival Studies at the University of Ghana, the National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI), and the Institute of Educational Planning and Administration at the University of Cape Coast, which were recognized as centres under the auspices of UNESCO.  Further, UNESCO has granted many scholarships, fellowships and study grants to Ghanaians to study in top institutions across the world.

Dr. Prempeh revealed further that Ghana showed leadership in convincing the UNESCO Executive Board and the General Conference to declare the year 2015 as the International Year of Light, to focus on harnessing light and light-based technology for development. Finally he announced that in 2017, Ghana successfully lobbied for the African Institute of Mathematical Sciences (AIMS Ghana) in Biriwa in the Central Region to be designated as a Category II UNESCO Centre of Excellence. Particularly instrumental in this achievement was the late scientist Prof. Francis Allotey, who was a UNESCO Commissioner.

According the Executive Secretary of the Ghana Commission for UNESCO, Mrs. Ama Serwah Nerquaye-Tetteh, activities planned for the Commission’s 60th anniversary celebrations include the laying of a foundation stone for the construction of an office complex, launch of the country’s first Museum of Light at the National Museum of Science and Technology, the hosting by Ghana of this year’s World Press Freedom Day and drawing and essay competitions in schools. The events will climax with the Commission Chairman’s dinner in November this year.