UN Scribe Receives Ghana's Highest Award

ACCRA, Ghana (PANA) - President Jerry Rawlings Tuesday conferred the state honour of the Companion of the Order of the Star of Ghana (Civil Division) on Kofi Annan, the UN secretary general, in recognition of his "unwavering efforts and indomitable spirit towards the achievement of world peace."

Rawlings decorated the UN chief with a sash and swung the medal round his neck, drawing prolonged applause from the invited guests.

Flagbearers of some of the political parties, top government officials, diplomats, chiefs and high-ranking military officers were present to witness the world's top civil servant receiving Ghana's highest award.

The citation said: "Your initiative, high sense of duty, exceptional skill and performance were ingredients that led to your appointment as secretary general, the first secretary general to emerge from the ranks of the international civil service, thus bringing honour and respect to yourself and Ghana."

Rawlings said Ghana would continue to devote its resources, inadequate and strained as they are, to manage conflicts in Africa with a view to removing the factors, which hinder and undermine peace, security, stability and development.

"We are glad to note signs of a more pro-active and supportive stance on the part of the international community," he added.

The president expressed concern about globalisation and liberalisation and said despite the opportunities offered, the world is confronted with a global society, which condemns the vast majority of the people of the developing world to degrading poverty, hardship and disease.

He said this is happening because the global market is driven by calculations of short-term profit.

"Consequently, the poor of the world, particularly Africa, have become poorer and are marginalised and excluded from the benefits of globalisation," he stressed.

Rawlings spoke about the crippling debt burden of developing countries and their lack of access to the international market place, saying efforts to redress these imbalances are still too hesitant and tentative.

He urged the rich countries to do more to remove elements of the international system, which militate against the advancement of the developing world, particularly Africa, to save humanity from eventual catastrophe.

The rich countries have less than 20 percent of the global population but command 80 percent of its wealth and resources.

Rawlings told Annan: "We in Ghana pledge our full support to you in your endeavour to promote justice and equity in the international system. We have faith in your untiring efforts to advance the course of international peace, justice and development."

In response, Annan said he had taken great pride in Ghana's progress in democracy and economic development and "wherever I have travelled I have only heard praise for our country."

He said Ghana is recognised the world over for its commitment to multi-lateralism in international affairs and its history of joining forces with other nations to solve those problems that no state, however small or large, can solve on its own.

Annan said the country's distinguished record at the UN is a lasting testimony to this commitment and paid tribute to Rawlings and his government for building on this record of achievement.

"Today, I believe we as a people stand at an important juncture. As our democracy is developing strong roots, we must help show the world that Africa can provide stable, prosperous and lasting democracies dedicated to the rule of law," he stated.

"The upcoming elections will be one test of this important effort and I am confident that they will take place in a peaceful and orderly manner," he added.

He said Ghana has the potential to become one of Africa's leaders in the 21st century by practising good governance, educating the young, building a sound infrastructure and seizing on the possibilities provided by globalisation.

"Globalisation has a lot to offer the world but the negative sides will have to be eliminated," Annan said.