Accra, Feb. 26, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor continues to receive goodwill messages on his election as Chairman of the African Union (AU).

Running through these messages is the acknowledgement of his outstanding leadership qualities and inspiring role on the continent. The latest to congratulate the President are Mr Rodrigo Figarero, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and Archbishop Njongo Ndungane of Cape Town, South Africa, successor of renowned Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

The IMF Chief noted in his message that President Kufuor was assuming leadersship of the Union at a time Africa was facing some of its greatest opportunities and challenges.

He pledged that the Fund would work with the AU and its members to build on the on-going discussions towards increased financial support and technical assistance to address the challenges ahead.

Mr Figarero underscored the need for countries in the region to pursue economic reforms in support of poverty reduction and other Millennium Development Goals as espoused by the United Nations (UN). On his part, Archbishop Ndungane said the achievements of Ghana gave hope to all Africa that the struggle for total emancipation could indeed be achieved.