On Monday 25th May,2026 – Ghana joined other African nations to commemorate the 63rd African Union (AU) Day, with a call for unity, practical integration and renewed confidence in the continent’s future.
Speaking at a flag-raising ceremony at the State House in Accra, The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. James Gyakye Quayson, described the occasion as both a celebration of Africa’s shared heritage and a reminder of the work still needed to be done to achieve unity, dignity, prosperity and self-determination.
Hon. Quayson reflected on the historic formation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in Addis Ababa 63 years ago, noting that it was driven by a vision of a continent free from colonialism and united in common purpose.
He highlighted Ghana’s first President+, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, as a leading figure behind that vision, recalling his belief that Ghana’s independence only had meaning if tied to the liberation of the entire continent.
The deputy minister emphasized that the founding principles of the African Union including unity, solidarity, peaceful coexistence, respect for sovereignty, democratic governance, human dignity, and sustainable development remain crucial to Africa’s progress.
He noted that Africa continues to face significant challenges such as economic inequality, youth unemployment, climate vulnerability, global marginalization, conflicts, and unfair trade systems. According to him, these issues demand collective action and cooperation among African states rather than isolation.
He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to advancing the African integration agenda under President John Dramani Mahama. He cited efforts to promote free movement, strengthen economic cooperation, and pursue people-centered diplomacy within the AU framework and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
He also urged Africans to remain optimistic and leverage the continent’s strengths, including its youthful population, rich cultural heritage, natural resources and human ingenuity.
