By Hannah Dadzie
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey says the spirit of African independence and progress made so far must drive the efforts of the Continent to eliminate all forms of inhumane conditions. Speaking at a Flag-Raising ceremony to commemorate African Union Day, Madam Ayorkor Botchwey urged all AU Member States to garner the requisite political will to assist the AU to work towards the successful implementation of its Agenda 2063, “delivering the Africa We Want.
Africa has made a lot of progress since the founding of the Organization of African Unity, OAU, now African Union, AU. However, there are still some political, social and economic challenges facing the Continent as well as challenges of terrorism, drought and floods as a result of climate change, and youth unemployment. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey hopes that as the Continent marks the 59th AU Day, it will overcome these challenges, thereby promoting unity, peace and stability in the sub region.
“As we mark Africa Day, a significant Day in the history of the struggles of the peoples of the African continent for our collective freedoms, identity, cultural, values and dignity, it is important to remind ourselves that we are commemorating the occasion in concert with the rest of the countries on the African Continent and beyond. On⁹ⁿ this day, Ghana is pleased to recommit to the vision of the founding fathers to work with others on the continent to promote unity, peace and stability which are the preconditions for realizing the Africa We Want, the Africa our people yearn for”. Madam Ayorkor Botchwey noted
In his remarks, the Ambassador of Burkina Faso and the Dean of African Diplomatic COrps , Pingrenoma Zagre, appreciated the AU for its efforts to achieve the Africa Continental Free Trade, to deepen the economic integration of the Continent.
“The Africa Day bears significance for our Continent and our people. On this day we pay tribute to the Founders of the AU. We remember their commitment and sacrifice for the decolonization of Africa. We pay homage to their pan-African vision and the common goal to place Africa on a path of development and progress. We shall achieve the aspirations of the AU Agenda 2063. Through the African Continental Free Trade Area, we shall increase intra African Trade and create economic growth and prosperity for our people.” Mr Zagre said.
This year’s commemoration was on the theme ” Strengthening Resilience in Nutrition and Food Security on the African Continent: Strengthening Agro-Food Systems, Health and Social Protection for the Acceleration of Human, Social and Economic Capital Development”
Present at the ceremony were members of the diplomatic Corp, the military, the clergy and students. The AU and the Ghana flags were hoisted to commemorate the day.
