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My election is an honour for the
entire nation - President Kufuor
From Kwaku Osei Bonsu, GNA Special Correspondent, Addis
Ababa, Ethiopia
Addis Ababa, Jan. 29, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor,
the newly elected Chairman of the African Union (AU),
declared on Monday that the vision of the founding fathers,
some four decades ago, still remained valid and relevant to
the progress of the Continent.
The need for unity of purpose could not be more urgent if
the Region was to face squarely and overcome the challenges
of the times - weak governance, conflicts, economic
marginalisation, youth unemployment, malaria, HIV-AIDS and
environmental degradation among other things.
President Kufuor, who was addressing the Eighth AU Heads of
State and Government in the Ethiopian Capital, Addis Ababa,
after he was handed the mantle of leadership of the Union,
noted that singularly or standing alone, no African country
could hope to successfully overcome those challenges.
He said if they, however, pooled their tremendous human and
material resources and worked together with a sense of
common purpose and in unity, they could certainly turn
things around sooner than later and take their proper place
in the world.
President Kufuor said the decision of the African leaders,
was a mark of confidence in the continued commitment of
Ghana in its efforts within the Region's common struggle for
respect for human rights, dignity, good governance and the
eradication of poverty.
"I deem it an honour not for me personally but also for the
Government and people of Ghana. It is with great humility
and high sense of responsibility that I accept your
decision."
President Kufuor paid glowing tribute to the outgoing
Chairman, President Dennis Sassou Nguesso of Congo, for the
commitment and dedication with which, he conducted the
affairs of the Union and the exemplary leadership, he
demonstrated, which lifted the image of Africa.
"We all greatly appreciate the courage and personal
sacrifices, he demonstrated during his tenure of office."
He pledged his preparedness to work with all his colleagues
to create conducive conditions that would help to realise
the vision of the AU.
"I will be at your service at all times, day and night, rain
or shine. I count on you all to give me your cooperation and
support", he said, to the applause of the Leaders.
President Kufuor's election was by a unanimous decision and
it followed widespread disapproval of the candidacy of
Sudan's President Omar Al-Bashir, because of his handling of
the Darfur conflict.
He would hold office for a year.
GNA
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