STATEMENT DELIVERED BY HON. SAMUEL NARTEY GEORGE, MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS, DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATIONS
Source: ministry_of_communications_ghana

1 | P a g e DRAFT STATEMENT DELIVERED BY HON. SAMUEL NARTEY GEORGE, MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS, DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION OF GHANA, DURING A FLAG-RAISING CEREMONY TO COMMEMORATE THE 62ND ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE AFRICAN UNION, HELD ON 23RD MAY, 2025 AT THE FORECOURT OF STATE HOUSE HONOURABLE LINDA OBENEW AA AKWELEY OCLOO, GREATER ACCRA REGIONAL MINISTER, HONORABLE MINISTERS OF STATE HERE PRESENT YOUR EXCELLENCY MR. MAHER KHEIR, AMBASSADOR OF THE REPUBLIC OF LEBANON AND DEAN OF THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS, YOUR EXCELLENCY MRS. IMANE OUAADIL, DEAN OF THE AFRICAN GROUP OF AMBASSADORS, AND AMBASSADOR OF THE KINGDOM OF MOROCCO TO GHANA, YOUR EXCELLENCY W AMKELE MENE, SECRETARY -GENERAL OF AFRICA CONTINENTAL FREE TRADE AREA (AFCFTA) SECRETARIAT, Excellencies, MEMBERS OF THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS, SENIOR OFFICERS OF THE GHANA ARMED FORCES AND OTHER SECURITY SERVICES RELIGIOUS AND TRADITIONAL LEADERS FRIENDS FROM HE MEDIA, DISTINGUISHED INVITED GUESTS, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, It is with a deep sense of honour that I stand before you today as we commemorate the 62nd anniversary of the founding of the Organization of African Unity, now known as the African Union. On 25 th May, 1963, visionary leaders from thirty -two (32) independent African states gathered in Addis Ababa with a vision to forge unity among African nations, to liberate the continent from the shackles of colonialism and apartheid, and to set Africa on a path of self - determination, peace, and prosperity. 2 | P a g e Today, 62 years on, the flame ignited by these pioneers continues to shine brightly . The African Union, with its fifty -five (55) Member States , stands as a testament to our enduring commitment to integration, cooperation, and shared destiny. Here in Ghana, we take particular pride in this day. It was our first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who championed the cause of Pan -Africanism with unequaled commitment. His cry, “ Africa must unite!” still echoes across our continent, inspiring generations to b elieve in the promise of a united and prosperous Africa. Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen As you may be aware, in February this year, the President of the Republic, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama , as AU Champion for Reparati ve Justice launched the African Union theme for 2025 at the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union in Addis Ababa. The theme for the year 2025, "Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations" denotes a significant opportunity for advancing the continent's efforts to address historical injustices. This theme inspires us to embrace a collaborative approach to reparative justice, with the vision of fostering equitable opportunities for all. The initiative also aligns with the AU’s Agenda 2063 for an integrated, peaceful and prosperous continent. President John Dramani Mahama called on fellow Heads of State to collectively act in securing justice for Africans and individuals of African descent through reparations. He urged leaders to continue to advocate for stronger legal and institutional mechani sms at the national, regional, and international levels to ensure that justice for the historical trauma inflicted on global Africa is not just a conversation, but a reality. By prioritizing reparations, the African Union aims to address systemic racism and economic exclusion, thereby contributing to a more just and inclusive Africa. The theme serves as an invitation for governments, civil society Organizations, and the African diaspora to unite in the pursuit of rectifying past wrongs and nurturing a future founded on justice and reconciliation. 3 | P a g e Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen This year’s celebration comes at a time when our continent is striving to overcome economic hardships, the impacts of climate change, conflict, and governance challenges. Yet, we must not lose sight of our progress. As we reflect on successes chalked by the AU including the hosting of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), headquartered right here in Accra, it is worth commending our collective fight against pandemics and terrorism as the African continent continues to demonstrate its resilience and its capacity for homegrown solutions. It is our shared values of solidarity, unity, and determination that have carried us this far. And it is these same values that will carry us forward. We must continue to deepen regional integration, strengthen democratic governance, and invest in our youth, who are not only the future of this continent, but its present. We must also reaffirm our commitment to Silencing The Guns. Peace and stability are the bedrock of development, and we owe it to our people, especially the women and children of Africa, to create a continent free of violence and fear. Our collective values of solidarity, unity, and unwavering determination have propelled us to this pivotal moment in our journey, and it is these same guiding principles that will carry us into a brighter future. We must strive to deepen regional integrati on, fostering stronger ties among nations, while also reinforcing democratic governance to ensure that every voice is heard and represented. Furthermore, we must earnestly reaffirm our pledge to silence the guns and end conflict on our continent. 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. Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen As we hoist the flag of the African Union and celebrate our shared commitment to unity and cooperation among member states, let it stand as a powerful symbol of our collective pride, unwavering purpose, and renewed commitment to shaping the Africa we envision; “THE AFRICA WE WANT, a continent that is peaceful, prosperous, and deeply integrated. This is a continent 4 | P a g e driven by the passion and determination of its own citizens, poised to rise as a force to reckon with on the global stage, inspiring others with its creativity and resilience. Long live the African Union! Long live the Republic of Ghana! May God bless our beloved homeland and empower both our nation and our continent to reach new heights of excellence and unity. I thank you for your kind attention.