Tripoli (Libya) 6th Sept. '99 Several African Heads of States have so far arrived in Tripoli, the Libyan capital to participate in the extraordinary summit of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) which begins on Monday September six. The President of Ghana, Jerry John Rawlings was the first Head of State to arrive at the Matiga Airport in Tripoli.
President Rawlings was accompanied by Mr James Victor Gbeho, Foreign Minister and Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas, Deputy Minister of Education.
The rest of the heads of state are, Robert Mugabe, President of Zimbabwe, President Malam Bacai Sancha of Guinea Bissau, Dr Bakili Muluzi, President of Malawi, Daouda Mallam Wanke of Niger and the Liberian Vice President Enoch Dogolea. The Algerian Head of State was represented by Mr Ahmed Al Ataf, Algerian Foreign Minister. Other heads of state are expected to arrive.. The summit will discuss pertinent issues affecting the OAU and the development of the African continent. The heads of state will review the OAU Charter established over 30 years ago and make the organisation more responsive to the needs of the continent and global development.
The summit will be preceded by a meeting of African Council of Ministers. The summit also coincides with the 30th anniversary celebration of the Al Fateh Revolution which brought the Libyan Leader, Col Muammar Al Qathafi to power. About 300 journalists from African and the rest of the world are covering the summit and activities marking the anniversary celebration.
Over 100 cultural troupes from various African countries are also participating in the events. Ghana cultural groups are represented by the Abibigromma of the University of Ghana, Legon and the National Theatre Players.
The Abibigromma group on Saturday night entreated a large gathering of different nationalities to "Kpanlogo" and other cultural dance performances at the Green Area in Tripoli.
