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The United Nations (UN) has applauded the government and people of Ghana for upholding and sustaining democracy, particularly in the past year. The message was contained in a press statement issued by the UN ahead of the commemoration of International Day of Democracy on September 15. The UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon observed that �despite advances in civic engagement, apathy has become democracy�s most insidious enemy in a growing number of societies.� He further proposed that apathy can be overcome through inclusive participation since �it prepares communities, societies and entire countries to address opposing points of view, forge compromises and solutions, and engage in constructive criticism and deliberations.� �The UN System commends the people of Ghana for their enthusiasm and active engagement in their electoral process. In Africa, Ghana serves as a beacon of democracy as the country has enjoyed increasingly stable and deepening democratic governance over the last two decades,� he added. According to the statement, despite the democratic gains of Ghana, �key democratic challenges including: clarifying roles between and among the arms of government and governance institutions; increasing resources for key government and independent government institutions; deepening opportunities for effective citizen�s engagement; increasing the participation of women, youth and other marginalized groups in decision-making processes; strengthening capacity at local governance levels; and reducing the perception of corruption in the public sector.� This year's International Day of Democracy was on the theme, �Strengthening Voices for Democracy.� The UN further stated that "we join the Secretary General in urging that leaders hear, respect and respond appropriately to the voices of the people,� and that citizens should �use their voice to not only take control of their destiny, but to translate their desires and the desires of others into a better future for all."