GOODWILL MESSAGE BY H.E. THE PRESIDENT OF GHANA JOHN AGYEKUM KUFUOR TO THE ASSOCIATION OF AFRICAN UNIVERSITIES (AAU)

AT THE CONFERENCE OF RECTORS, VICE-CHANCELLORS AND PRESIDENTS OF AFRICAN UNIVERSITIES (COREVIP)

AT THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE GRAND BAY, MAURITIUS
(MARCH 17 - 21, 2003)

On the occasion of the Conference of Rectors, ViceChancellors and Presidents of African Universities (COREVIP) organised under the auspices of the Association of African Universities (AAU), I am happy to send you this message of goodwill on behalf of the Government and the people of Ghana and on my own behalf.

Although Africa is endowed with human and natural resources, it is faced with a number of challenges. Poverty levels are deepening, the rate of population growth continues to outstrip food production, unemployment levels are increasing, the health status of our people is worsening, financial crisis is deepening, quality education cannot be assured; the threat of HIV/AIDS is alarming and political instability still abounds. To this may be added the challenges posed by globalisation and information and communication technology.

These challenges are complex and intertwined requiring the collective effort of our people and institutions to address.

We in Ghana are aware of the crucial role that the AAU is playing to enhance the capacity of the Academic Community in Africa to serve as a catalyst for development. Promotion of cooperation among African universities and the collection, classification and dissemination of information on higher education and research in Africa have been among the key activities of AAU.

One of our major tasks in Africa now is to come up with more creative and innovative solutions to our problems. It is in this regard that it is heartening to note that this Conference will discuss issues relating to poverty reduction, HIV/AIDS and peace and conflict resolution which are among the issues confronting the Governments and peoples of Africa and the newly created African Union.
As international non-governmental association, AAU has won recognition for its excellence, studies it has undertaken and the capacity it has built in African universities.

We in Ghana are confident that the AAU and universities in Africa can support Africa and the African Union in the search for solutions confronting the continent.

The Government of Ghana will continue to provide maximum support to the AAU and the academic community in Africa.

Please accept our warmest congratulations for your achievements. It is our hope that with your collective effort we can look forward to a bright future of continued progress in the new millennium.