The 26th Ghana ACN 2008 football fiesta has undoubtedly been a celebration
of the ingenuity and resolve of the human spirit. The tournament was
also an expression of the fraternal bonds between African countries
and Africa and the rest of the world.
In August 2008 the world will converge on the ancient city of Beijing
for the 29th Olympiad of the modern era. The Olympic Games also
conveys through sports a celebration of our common humanity. In
this sense the motto of Beijing 2008 Games, One world, One Dream
is apt and must be seen to apply everywhere on our small earth.
It is important however that the dream of the Darfuri people in
Sudan for peace, security and dignity is not forgotten in a year
in which athletes and nations seek glory and self worth on the sports
field.
On the Darfur crisis, we recognise the steps the international
community, including China, has taken toward its resolution. We
are disturbed by the distance that remains to be covered.
It is the view of we the undersigned that China leverage its immense
diplomatic and financial weight on Khartoum for a speedy, just,
comprehensive and mutually acceptable resolution of the matter.
In this regard concrete steps in that direction will be imperative
crucial among which must be extracting enforceable assurances from
Khartoum that
Chinese weaponry will not be used against defenseless and unarmed
Darfuris.
We the undersigned will also like to urge Ghana, which has a very
enviable record in ethical foreign policy, to use her good offices
to fast track the implementation of the provisions of the Annan
Plan.
We the undersigned consider it vital that all non governmental,
intergovernmental, citizens’ and grassroots organizations
seized with the Darfur matter continue to make their voices heard
and act in concert to assist the people of Darfur to quickly realize
their dream of hope and peace.