[ 2012-07-28 ]

President Maahma receives AU chairman at Castle
Accra, July 27, GNA- Mr Yayi Boni, Chairman of the
African Union and President of the Republic of
Benin, on Friday led a high-powered delegation
from that country to commiserate with government
and people of Ghana, following the death of
President John Atta Mills.

Speaking in a dual capacity as Chairman of the AU
and President of Benin, Mr. Boni described the
demise of President Mills as a great loss, not
only to Ghana but to Africa as a whole.

“The whole of Africa and the people of Benin offer
their deep and sincere condolences,” recalling
that the views and opinions of the late President
Mills was always taken very seriously during AU
and other regional meetings.

He told President John Dramani Mahama and
government officials that had gathered at the
Credentials Hall of the Castle that the best way
to honour the departed leader was to carry on with
his ideals and achievements.

In that way, the AU Chairman said, Ghana would be
able to consolidate its riches and improve on the
standards of living of its people.

The Beninois President described Ghana as a model
of political stability, economic progress, social
peace and security, which had made her the toast
of the international community.

“Your country Ghana was one of the pioneers of
Pan-Africanism, spearheaded by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah,
who still remains the pride of Africa,” President
Boni stated.

The AU Chairman implored President Mahama to also
carry on with the work started by Pan-Africanist
Dr. Nkrumah by helping to deepen regional
integration.

President Mahama said the unfortunate incident
came as a shock to the continent and the rest of
the world as witnessed in the numerous expression
of condolences and solidarity to the government
and the people of Ghana.

He informed his guests that a committee was
working feverishly in connection with the state
funeral and added that the foreign embassies would
soon be duly notified of the date and other
arrangements of the funeral.

“We take consolation in the sympathy we receive
from the international community and your
country-Benin,” he told President Boni, stressing
that “With this heavy responsibility, I can count
on your good counsel and advice since you have the
experience.”

President Mahama said Ghana and Benin share close
cultural and historical relations and share common
democratic values. “We will take his death as a
signal for our two countries to push for closer
relations and regional integration.”

“Ghana will continue to play the role as a leading
voice in the Pan-Africanist struggle and to be a
leading voice on the continent,” Mr. Mahama
assured the delegation.

Source - GNA

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