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Africa can overcome problems if we
acted collectively-Kufuor
From Kwaku Osei Bonsu, GNA
Special Correspondent, Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt
Sharm El-Sheikh (Egypt), July 2, GNA - President John
Agyekum Kufuor has said Africa could overcome its
development challenges if the continent’s political leaders
acted collectively, purposefully and in good faith.
He said he was confident that with perseverance and
sustained clear vision, the
leaders would not only continue to improve on the
continent's current modest
momentum in progress but begin to achieve accelerated growth
and development
sooner than could be imagined.
President Kufuor said this in a farewell address on the
final day of the 11th summit of the Assembly of the African
Union (AU) Heads of State and Government in the Egyptian Red
Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh.
It was the last time he would be attending such a gathering
as leader of his country.
The two-day meeting was held under the theme "Millennium
Development Goals
on Water and Sanitation."
President Kufuor appealed to his colleague leaders to be
constantly guided by the continent's sad and dehumanizing
history by striving to create better future for all the
peoples regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or wealth.
"In this, we must always keep in perspective the huge
potential of our continent both in material and human
resources with the firm belief that with the application of
pragmatic economic policies and resolute political will, we
will attain our cherished
goal of a peaceful, united and prosperous continent."
He said they must be committed to cooperate relentlessly to
launch Africa into the mainstream of global advancement.
President Kufuor said it was to Africa's credit that the
last six years had
witnessed over 50 democratic elections although not all of
them passed the litmus
test of "free and fair."
As a body, the AU should ensure that polls in member states
are conducted in a free and fair environment to help sustain
the improving image and progress of the continent.
"It will also hallmark the respect of governments for the
rights and the dignity of their peoples."
President Kufuor expressed appreciation to his colleagues
for the opportunity to chair the union in 2007 and pledged
Ghana's resolve and commitment towards the realisation of
the goal of the Union Government of Africa.
Ghana has a long and rich attachment to freedom, unity,
dignity and development of the African continent.
Its first President
Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah did not only light the torch of
African liberation but also pursued relentlessly the goal of
African unity.
AU Chairman President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania, Egyptian
President Hosni
Mubarak and the President Laurent Gbagbo of Cote d' Ivoire
took turns to thank
President Kufuor for the vision he provided and his
dedicated service to the union.
GNA
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