Mahama push for urban development as major issue in Africa

President John Mahama is to lead the process of making urban development a major issue for the African continent during 50th anniversary celebration of the formation of the African Union (AU) after 50 years of existence.

He will join his colleagues in Ethiopia to discuss issues affecting the continent and how to address them especially the African peer review mechanism and also play a key role at the next African Union summit, in a number of issues including security on the continent

President Mahama, who is barely a year old as the President of Ghana, is being recognized as a prominent leader with a vision that a lot of African and World leaders have attested to, especially his intentions for the continent.

In his address to the 67th UN General Assembly which centered on the dynamics of world politics, governance and youth development in Africa, President Mahama promised not to allow Ghana to be used to destabilize its neighbors.

He said that Ghana has witnessed impressive socio-economic developments in the last two decades, adding that there have been improvements in roads and social infrastructure across the length and breadth of this country. Health facilities have been expanded and access improved, and so have educational institutions with the private sector playing a pivotal role. In many respects.

African Union (AU) day can be described as an event of exceptional magnitude in the institutional evolution of the continent.

In September 1999, the Heads of State and Government of the Organisation of African Unity issued a Declaration (the Sirte Declaration) calling for the establishment of an African Union, with a view of accelerating the process of integration in the continent, to enable it play its rightful role in the global economy while addressing multifaceted social, economic and political problems.

As a continental organization, the AU provided an effective forum that enabled all Member States to adopt coordinated positions on matters of common concern to the continent in defending the interests of Africa effectively.

Ghana has stood tall since the AU declaration on the political and socio-economic situation in Africa, which underscores Africa’s resolve to seize the initiative to determine its destiny, and to address the challenges to peace, democracy and security.