Accra, May 25, GNA - The Peoples National Convention on Friday paid a special tribute to the memory of Ghana's first President, Dr Kwame Nkkrumah for the exceptional leadership role he played in the formation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), which has transformed into the African Union (AU).

A statement issued by Mr. Gabriel Pwamang, PNC General Secretary, in Accra in commemoration of Afrca Union Day, said the PNC wishes to salute all African patriots for their dedication to the noble course of African Union.

"We equally recognize the contribution of those first generation African leaders, who championed the struggle for African Unity and pay our respects to them on this occasion.

"The PNC acknowledges the past successes of the OAU, particularly in assisting in the liberation of the whole continent from colonialism and apartheid. We are delighted at the new straights the African Union is presently making, largely through the encouragement of the Libyan Leader Brother Muammer Gaddafi.

"It is good news that the AU has been able to take some bold decisions in furtherance of greater unity of the African continent and that at next AU conference to be held in Ghana under the chairmanship of President John Agyekum Kufuor, a number of African ministerial portfolios will be established."

The PNC urges President Kufuor to deepen the roots of an all-African government during his term of office.

"We greet the African Parliament and call on it to boldly confront the challenges militating against the full integration of the African continent as well as Africans in the Diaspora.

"We urge all political and civil society organizations in the various African countries and in the Diaspora to link up with each other and close their ranks so as to ensure the unity of African people to complement what African governments are doing," it said.