African media commended for deepening democratic accountability

Accra, May 26, GNA - Alhaji Muhammad Mumuni, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, has commended African media practitioners for their role in deepening democratic accountability throughout the continent.

He paid special tribute to journalists, private sector operators and Africa's development partners for their contribution to the growth of the African Union (AU) over the past 46 years.

Alhaji Mumuni was speaking to the African diplomatic community, private sector operators, Africans in the Diaspora, politicians and a cross section of the public at a state banquet, as part of activities of the celebrating of the 46th anniversary of the formation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) now AU, in Accra on Monday. He urged African governments to work towards strengthening the tenets of democratic culture and promoting good governance at all levels to move the continent forward.

In stead of the usual international cuisine that was served at state banquet, dignitaries at the 46th AU banquet were given traditional African cuisine prepared by nationals of the respective countries. Alhaji Mumuni explained that the rationale for serving the traditional African cuisine was to create a platform to market "our food, show the unity in diversity of the people of Africa and link us to our root."

Mr. Tete Jean Pierre Gbikpi Benissan, Dean of African Diplomatic Corp, who responded to the toast, prayed for good health for all African Heads of State.

On the celebration, he said the AU Day was to reaffirm the continent's collective determination to strengthen its commitment "towards a united, peaceful and prosperous Africa". The Day was observed with respect to the creation of the OAU, by its founding fathers on 25 May 1963 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, headquarters of the AU.

The OAU was transformed into the AU in 2002 in Durban, South Africa. The 46th Anniversary celebration was on the general theme: "Towards A United, Peaceful and Prosperous Africa", in which the element of a peaceful Africa was expected to be reflected. This was in line with the first strategic pillar of the AU Commission dubbed "Peace and Security", which was one of the four pillars of the AU Strategic Plan, 2009-2012.