African Union (AU) member states have been urged to reaffirm their pledge to silence the guns and end conflicts on the African continent.According to the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Mr Samuel Nartey George, AU member states had a responsibility to its citizens to create a continent that was free from the shadows of fear and violence.Mr George said this during a flag-raising ceremony held at the Forecourt of the State House on Friday to commemorate the 62nd anniversary celebration of the AU Day.As part of the celebration, two trees were planted representing not only a shared commitment to unity but also highlights the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability.Themed: "Justice for Africans and People of African Descents through Reparation", the day event is used to honour the efforts of the founding fathers who embraced the vision of a united Africa and fought for the liberation of the continent.Speaking at the event, Mr George said "Peace and stability serve as the solid foundation for sustainable development, we have a profound responsibility to our people, especially the women and children of Africa, to cultivate a continent that is free from the shadows of violence and fear, allowing every individual to thrive in safety and dignity."He explained that creating a continent that was free from violence and fear could only be achieved through a shared value of solidarity, unity, and determination by AU member states.Furthermore, Mr George called on AU member states to deepen regional integration, strengthen democratic governance, and invest in the youth of their countries.The sector minister said that the theme for the celebration was an inspiration to member states to embrace a collective approach to reparative justice, with a vision of fostering equitable opportunity for all.The theme, Mr George said, also aligned with the AU's Agenda 2063 for an integrated, peaceful, and prosperous African continent.For her part, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco and Dean of the Group of African Ambassadors, Mrs Imane Ouaadil, called on African leaders to prioritise unity and cooperation to help lay the foundation of a more peaceful and prosperous future for all Africans.According to her, it was important for African leaders to prioritise unity and cooperation as Africa had a vast human and natural resource that was capable of eradicating poverty in the region and drivingopportunity."Africa is a continent full of similarities and contrasts.
Comprising counties that are remarkably different in their geography yet similar in their history and culture, it has vast human and natural resources that have the potential to eradicate poverty in the region and drive opportunity for all," Mrs Ouaadil said.She also commanded Ghana, led by President John Dramani Mahama and former Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, for championing the cause of reparation to Africans and people of African descent.In attendance were Minister of Defense, Dr Edward Omane Boamah; Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu; members of diplomatic corps, senior officers of Ghana Armed Forces and other security services as well as students drawn from selected schools.
