Fast-track Union Government - African-Americans

Accra, July 2, GNA - Two prominent African-Americans on Monday called for the fast-tracking of the continental government for Ghana saying the world is not waiting for Africa.

The Reverend Jesse Jackson and Dr Al Mansour said the continent needed to unite to take advantage of globalisation. They were speaking at a press conference addressed by several African-Americans on the sidelines of the on-going African Union Summit whose single agenda is the debate on the Union Government for Africa. "The World is moving too fast (for Africa) to wait..Africa can't wait any longer. You have to run faster," Rev. Jackson said. Rev. Jackson said this was the time for Africa's reconstruction, after several decades of suffering through the slave trade and colonisation.

He said Africans in the Disapora were playing a huge role in the development of the world. The press conference was also addressed by Ozwald Boateng, a Ghanaian-born designer and Herbie Hancock, a renowned musician. Rev. Jackson said Africa was taking an important step for emancipation, adding that human rights were key to end conflicts and the AU should have the strength to resolve conflicts without external intervention.

On his part, Dr Mansour said the Diaspora had observed that there was no time to wait. "We must force ourselves to recognise that globalisation is here to stay. We can't wait for destruction." "No one is going to wait for ever. Set a date to complete the 'project'. Set a date to fulfil the destiny of Africa. By this time next year, let's come and rejoice (the birth) of a United States of Africa," Dr Mansour said. 2 July 07