Ghana to host AU's Heads of State Summit

Accra, Dec. 7, GNA - The African Union (AU) would hold its 2007 Summit of Heads of State and Government in Ghana to coincide with the country's major landmark celebration of 50 years of nationhood. The decision was taken to give recognition to Ghana's pioneering role in the establishment of the Union.

According to a brochure on "Ghana@50" published by the National Planning Committee (NPC), a sub-committee of the Cabinet charged with the responsibility of overseeing the planning, organisation and management of the various events to commemorate the Jubilee Celebration, about 100 Heads of State and International dignitaries would be coming to the country to participate in the 50th anniversary of independence and the AU Summit.

A reception to elicit sponsorship for the event, from corporate bodies and individuals was held at the Castle Gardens on Wednesday. President John Agyekum Kufuor observed that the journey to the historic milestone had not been easy.

He recalled the first six years of political independence when the country became the toast as it achieved tremendous growth unimaginable of any economies at the time.

The nation, however, allowed the phenomenal success to enter into its head and in the end lost its way and started playing the blame game. President Kufuor said the fine democratic institutions then turned into instruments of oppression and suppression.

He said the Golden Jubilee was an opportunity to once again show to the world that Ghana was providing the leadership in the resurgence of the African Continent.

In the era of globalisation, where not only governments but also businesses and multinationals determined the future of nations, it was essential that "small developing economies like our type seek partnership with private enterprises to ensure the prosperity of their citizens", he said, adding: "We all have a stake as citizens and corporate bodies alike in the future prosperity of this country."