Accra, Feb. 8, GNA - The Governing Council of the African Youth Command (AYC) has congratulated President John Agyekum Kuffour on his election as Chairman of the African Union (AU).

A statement issued in Accra on Thursday by the AYC said it was the organisation, which three years ago said President Kufuor would occupy the AU chair before the elapse of his two-term tenure of his office. "Our joy of President Kufuor's ascension to the august AU Chair stems from purely nationalistic and patriotic considerations as the third development phenomenon for national social growth, which really calls for collective joy and celebrations as a nation in the year 2007 A.D.

"At this period of national pride and joy, the African Youth Command enjoins all Ghanaians, home and abroad and particularly political parties of varied persuasions to stand up as one man to ensure a joyous and memorable Golden Jubilee celebrations and also contribute in all humane manner possible to strengthen the moral, spiritual, political and democratic stature and personality of President John Agyekum Kufuor to steer the challenging affairs of the African Union."