Many ignore observation of AU Day in Kumasi

Shops across Kumasi, the nation’s second largest city, opened for normal business as many people chose to ignore the observation of the African Union (AU) Day.

The annual holiday is a commemoration of the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) now AU, 53 years ago.

People, who spoke to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) expressed mixed reactions to the day.

Madam Sabina York, a Cold Store Operator, said she was unconvinced about the impact and continued relevance of the continental project.

As far as she was concerned, it had served as a platform for political leaders to make ideal declarations, which often tended to be largely left unimplemented.

Mr. Peter Amankwaah, a dealer in agrochemicals, shared a similar position and called for deliberate efforts to help the people to closely follow the activities of the Union.

“My sister, I must confess, I know absolutely nothing about the AU and completely ignorant of what it has been doing.”

Others, however, acknowledged that the AU has had some high points.

Nana Osei Opoku Agyemang, a computerized accounting student at the Kumasi Polytechnic, hailed the body for its significant contribution to settling and minimizing political conflicts in the continent.

He again, cited its’ election observer missions to monitor elections in the member countries.

Ms. Florence Afriyie Mensah, a journalist, said the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) was a laudable initiative.

AU’s chosen theme for this year is: “Human rights with a particular focus on the rights of women”.