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Annan's home-coming sets tone for
reconciliation
Accra, Jan. 24, GNA - The homecoming of Ghana's top Diplomat
and Immediate-Past Secretary-General of the United Nation's
(UN), Busumuru Kofi Annan has set the tone for
reconciliation on the country's acrimonious political front.
President John Agyekum Kufuor for the first time in six
years was joined by Professor John Evans Atta-Mills,
Presidential Candidate of the largest opposition political
party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the
leadership of the newly formed Democratic Freedom Party (DFP),
represented by its Chairman, Alhaji Rahman Issaka, to
formally welcome the Former UN Chief at the Castle, Osu, on
Wednesday.
Busumuru Annan obviously moved by this positive development
said: "What has happened this morning is a sign of things to
come.
“The need for unity and joining hands is extremely
important. We have to work together, work in partnership and
pool our efforts to have the greatest impact."
Busumuru Annan, who completed his two five-year term as
Secretary-General of the World Body on December 31, 2006,
and plans to spend his retirement in Ghana, said he was
serious about going into agriculture.
He noted that Africa was the only Continent, which had not
gone through the green revolution and could not feed itself.
"There used to be starvation in India and China. I would in
the next phase of my life work with international actors and
African leaders to take agriculture to a new level."
Busumuru Annan said through out his career as international
diplomat; "I never forgot my roots. I was always proud of my
Ghanaian roots. I thank you for the consistent support you
gave me".
He pointed out that as the UN Chief, he pushed hard for the
protection of individual rights and freedom and said he was
pleased that the Organisation has decided to build on the
three pillars of peace and security, rule of law and
development.
Without peace and security there could be no development and
there could also not be peace and security without rule of
law.
President Kufuor said the coming together of the leadership
of the different political parties augured well for the
country's Golden Jubilee celebration noting that, it was an
indication that "all sides agree we should live together as
a united nation".
He said Busumuru Annan's return should soften the ground for
people belonging to the various political parties to
practise tolerance.
"We need to reconcile genuinely and to hold together in the
interest of mother Ghana."
President Kufuor lauded Busumuru Annan for his distinguished
service at the UN, saying: “The entire country is so elated
for the distinction you have achieved.
“This distinction reflects so well on our country. You are a
role model for our youth. We all pride ourselves of your
achievement."
President Kufuor described the Former UN Chief's decision to
spend his retirement home as a great decision.
Professor Mills said Ghana was welcoming a hero back home,
who served the nation, Africa and the world with
distinction.
"You blazed the trail many of us have to follow. The whole
country is proud of your achievement."
Busumuru Annan returned to Ghana with his Swedish wife, Nane,
to a hero's welcome on Tuesday night aboard an Alitalia
airliner.
GNA
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