Backing Kwesi Quartey for deputy AU Chair was easy - Akufo-Addo

Abu Mubarik 07:16 - 18 February 2017

___6243690___https:______static.pulse.com.gh___webservice___escenic___binary___6243690___2017___2___18___8___Nana-Addo

The president noted that when his predecessor, former President John Mahama, told him about presenting Thomas Kwesi Quartey as Ghana’s candidate for the position, “it was a very easy matter for me, because he was a Ghanaian who had the spirit and competence for the job.”

President Nana Akufo-Addo has said he had no difficulties backing Thomas Kwesi Quartey to become the Deputy Chair of the African Union.

Mr Quartey, who was served as the secretary to Mr Mahama, won his bid to AU Deputy Chairmanship with over 80 percent of the vote at the 28th AU Summit.

The president made the remarks when Thomas Kwesi Quartey, now Deputy AU Commission Chairperson, and Ambassador Victor Gbeho called on the President to thank him for the support offered to the candidature of Kwesi Quartey by the government.

“It was with a clean and sincere heart that I threw my support and I am happy that we were successful. I got all the credit for it by my fellow Heads of State, but I believe it was a good day for Ghana,” he said.

The President urged the new Deputy AU Commission Chairperson to help effect the vision of continental integration, and ensure that the proposals adopted at the 28th AU Summit, which include the proposals on continental free trade, and finding sustainable ways of financing the AU, are fully implemented.

READ MORE: Kwesi Quartey named deputy of AU commissionHe was confident that Kwesi Quartey would do a good job and hold high the flag of Ghana.Ambassador Victor Gbeho, on his part, thanked the President for the immense support given to Thomas Kwesi Quartey’s candidature and assured him that the latter will work diligently to justify the confidence reposed in him, as well as enhance Ghana’s image in the comity of nations.