President John Dramani Mahama has indicated that Alan Kyerematen will play an important role as Ghana prepares to take the lead in the African Union, following his endorsement by West African leaders as the continental body’s next Chairperson in 2027.
Ghana’s endorsement from ECOWAS heads of state over the weekend positions the country to have a greater influence in setting Africa’s political and socioeconomic agenda.
Speaking on behalf of the President at the African Summit held by Alan Kyerematen in Accra, Minister of Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa stated that the endorsement makes the summit’s timing very crucial.
“He was endorsed over the weekend by ECOWAS. All the West African presidents endorsed him as the next African Union Chairperson in 2027. So this convening is very timely, very fortuitous, and he will be looking forward to the report so that he can hit the ground running in 2027 when he becomes the Chairperson of the African Union.”
According to Ablakwa, President Mahama believes that as Ghana gets ready for continental leadership, the concepts and policy direction that come out of the summit would be crucial.
He also disclosed that Alan Kyerematen, the summit’s convener, received a personal communication from the President expressing gratitude and assuring him that his efforts to integrate Africa will be acknowledged.
“And he has asked me to tell our convener, the Honourable John Alan Kyeremanten, that he will have a very special place when he becomes AU Chairperson because of the work that he’s doing.”
Ablakwa emphasised that profound knowledge, institutional strength, and reliable policy input will be necessary for Ghana to lead the African Union. He also mentioned the importance of the structures Mr. Kyeremanten is building through the Centre for Strategic African Development (CENSADEV).
“So we are definitely going to need the expertise, the experience, and this very reputable organisation the Honourable John Kyeremanten has put together as Ghana prepares to assume the leadership of the African Union.”
He pointed out that Africa is facing both opportunity and limitation at this crucial time for the region.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we gather at a moment of both extraordinary promise and sovereign reality.”
“Building A New United Africa” is the topic of the African Summit, which aims to translate continental leadership into concrete economic and development results.
Source: newsthemegh.com