Accra, Sept. 20, GNA -- President J. A. Kufuor has stated that Ghana recognised good governance as crucial for sustainable development and has, therefore worked hard to establish a robust culture of democracy.

He commended the media for playing its watchdog role for probity and accountability expected of governors and responsibility expected of the citizenry and said "the free and fair elections that have been held successfully in Ghana over the past fifteen years bear eloquent testimony to the determination of Ghanaians to create an equitable, free and stable society in which each individual can develop his or her full potential."

Dispatches from the Presidency on Wednesday said President Kufuor was addressing the general debate of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

He said it was against the background of good governance, probity and accountability that Ghana submitted herself to the African Peer Review Mechanism under the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) to be assessed for institutional structures and improvement of her governance.

President Kufuor, however, cautioned that without effectively addressing international peace and security satisfactorily, the collective objective of the United Nations to alleviate the economic plight of the majority of mankind would not be achieved. He added GHana's voice to the global concern for the intensification of the UN's pressure to eliminate nuclear weapons and the threat of smaller weapons.
The spread of Small Arms and Light Weapons, President Kufuor noted was another scourge, especially in Africa and commended the Organisation for its significant efforts at reining this menace. He further commended the UN for maintaining peace and security in the world through peace-keeping operations in many troubled spots adding that Ghana was committed to peacekeeping operations and had been a regular contributor because the lack of peace and stability in any country could have far-reaching negative repercussions beyond its immediate borders.
President Kufuor also called for enhanced UN peace keeping activities of bringing hope to victims of conflict.
He used the opportunity to pay glowing tribute to the UN Secretary-General, Busumuru Kofi Annan for his exemplary stewardship of the world body saying: He has brought honour and distinction to our nation Ghana by his excellent stewardship of the UN over the past 10 years. His dedicated and illustrious service during the first 30 years led to his election as the first ever career officer to become Secretary-General and the destiny marked him as the Secretary-General to end the last century and also to usher the Organisation into the 21st century. Busumuru Annan retires this year after 10 years as the UN Secretary-General. He is the First African from the South of the Sahara to hold that position.