Accra, Jan. 31, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor returned home this afternoon from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where he was elected the AU Chairman at the Eight Ordinary Summit of African Leaders. Nana Akufo Addo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Andrew Awuni, Presidential Spokesperson and other senior government officials accompanied him.

On arrival at the Kotoka International Airport, President Kufuor was welcomed by hundreds of people who waved miniature flags of Ghana amidst drumming and traditional dancing.

During a press briefing Nana Akufo Addo said the decision to elect President Kufuor as the AU Chairman was unanimous and based on four main reasons.

He said President Kufuor's exceptional performance as ECOWAS Chairman coupled with his rule in Ghana, which was characterized by such governance qualities as respect for the rule of law, democracy, accountability among others formed key reasons for his election. The Foreign Minister said Ghana under Kufuor's governance had also contributed in many ways towards peace on the continent, adding that it was also generally felt that it was appropriate to honour Ghana on the occasion of her 50th anniversary.

He said the occasion was quite reflective of the fact that Ghana was politically charting the right path.

At a meeting with a delegation of Ga chiefs, President Kufuor expressed joy at the welcome he received on arrival. He described his election as an acknowledgement of Ghana's role in the fight for independence in Africa and the formation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU).

He said it was also an honour to the entire nation and a reflection of the political progress that Ghana had made so far. President Kufuor's election marked the first of such continental role for a Ghanaian leader since President Kwame Nkrumah was elected Chairman of the OAU in 1965.

At the airport to meet the President was the Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama, Ministers of State, members of the diplomatic corps, a delegation of Ga chiefs, the Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. J B Danquah and the Inspector General of Police Mr Patrick Acheampong.