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President Kufuor returns from AU
Summit
Accra, Jan. 31, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor returned
home Wednesday afternoon from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where he
was elected the Africa Union (AU) Chairman at the Eighth
Ordinary Summit of African Leaders.
Nana Akufo Addo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Andrew
Awuni, Presidential Spokesperson and other senior government
officials accompanied him.
On arrival at the Kotoka International Airport, President
Kufuor was welcomed by hundreds of people, who waved
miniature flags of Ghana amidst drumming and traditional
dancing.
During a press briefing Nana Akufo Addo said the decision to
elect President Kufuor as the AU Chairman was unanimous and
based on four main reasons.
He said President Kufuor's exceptional performance as
Economic Commission of West African States (ECOWAS) Chairman
coupled with his rule in Ghana, which was characterized by
such governance qualities as respect for the rule of law;
democracy and accountability among other things formed the
key reasons for his election.
The Foreign Minister said Ghana under President Kufuor's
governance had also contributed in many ways towards peace
building on the Continent, adding that it was also generally
felt that it was appropriate to honour Ghana on the occasion
of her 50th anniversary.
He said the occasion was quite reflective of the fact that
Ghana was politically charting the right path.
At a meeting with a delegation of Ga Chiefs, President
Kufuor expressed joy at the welcome he had received on
arrival.
He described his election as an acknowledgement of Ghana's
role in the fight for independence in Africa and the
formation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU).
He said it was also an honour to the entire nation and a
reflection of the political progress that Ghana had made so
far.
President Kufuor's election marked the first of such
continental role for a Ghanaian Leader since Osagyefo Dr
Kwame Nkrumah, First President, was elected Chairman of the
OAU in 1965.
At the airport to meet the President was the Vice President
Alhaji Aliu Mahama, Ministers of State, Members of the
Diplomatic Corps; delegation of Ga Chiefs led by the Acting
Ga Mantse Nii Adotey Obour; Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen.
J. B. Danquah and the Inspector General of Police, Mr
Patrick Kwarteng Acheampong.
GNA
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