The two-day grand debate on the proposed Pan-African Government by African political leaders ended deep into the night yesterday without a decision as to the nature and timeframe.

The European Union on yesterday said the Economic Partnership Agreements to be signed on December 31 this year will offer African countries more comparative economic advantages than any alternative trade regime.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has stated that his country is not in favour of forming a continental government now saying insisting on political integration would bring together incompatible linkages that may create tension rather than cohesion.

Eight African First Ladies yesterday visited the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum to lay wreaths at the tomb of Ghana’s foremost First Lady, Madam Fathia Nkrumah.

Mr Romano Prodi, Italian Prime Minister has expressed confidence in the prospects that lie ahead of the African continent which, he said, was of great importance to the future of the African Union.

Nigerian President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua has questioned the degree of commitment of African leaders to the continental body- the African Union- and the essence of their “Africanness”, an issue critical in the grand debate for an African Government.

African Heads of State attending the Ninth Ordinary Session of the African Union in Accra continue to depart to their various countries as the historic event draws to a close.

African leaders attending the Ninth Summit of the African Union (AU) in the Ghanaian capital, Accra, yesterday got down to the serious business of discussing the sort of Union Government they wanted for the Continent.

Rev. Dr Jesse Jackson, an American Civil Rights Activist has underscored the need for African countries to unite and establish a continental government immediately. He said that Africa cannot afford to postpone its planned continental integration while the world is fast developing.

Madam Theresa Kufuor, First Lady of Ghana on Monday called on African First Ladies to resolve to make a difference in helping curb the spread of HIV/ AIDS on the continent.

The Vice President of the World Bank for the Africa Region, Madam Obiageli Katryn Ezekweshili has reiterated the World Bank’s commitment to maintain the continent as its top priority under the leadership of Robert Zoellick, adding that the Bank provided a record of US $5.7 billion in credits and grants to sub- Saharan Africa in the last fiscal year.

Ghana’s Foreign Minister yesterday described as “strange and rather unfortunate” arguments that the issue of a Union Government was being rated above other the political issues affecting the continent such as Darfur.

The World Pan-Africanism Council (WPC) has called on African leaders to treat Africans in the diaspora as the sixth sub-region of the continent to foster an accelerated unifying process.

The Pan-African Infrastructure Development Fund (PAIDF) was yesterday launched at the ongoing 9th African Union Summit with an initial seed money of US$625 million raised from eight investors within the continent.

The Organisation of African First Ladies (OAFLA) yesterday held its first meeting as part of the on-going African Union Summit, with the focus on how to prevent HIV/AIDS.

The Deputy Minister for Information and National Orientation, Mrs Oboshie Sai-Cofie, yesterday apologised for media glitches that left scores of journalists frustrated and cut out especially during the opening session of the African Union Summit at the Accra International Conference Centre.

President John Agyekum Kufuor, Chairman of the African Union (AU), yesterday challenged his colleague leaders in the continent not to fail the people of Africa and its future by taking unexamined decisions, as they gather in Accra for the grand debate on the Union Government.

The Deputy General-Secretary of the United Nations (UN) Systems, Dr Asha-Rose Migro, has said that the governments and people of Africa are working hard to overcome the challenges of poverty.

His Excellency President John Agyekum Kufuor, Chairman of the African Union (AU) has expressed concern over Africa’s delay to unite, saying the continent is “running against time in its effort at integration” in the light of global development.

President John Agyekum Kufuor and a number of Heads of State attending the Ninth Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU), yesterday interacted with some senior citizens of Ghana at a State luncheon to mark the country’s 47th Republic Day (July 1) status.

President John Agyekum Kufuor yesterday asked the continent's leaders to work to bring the good intentions of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), the continent's development and economic blueprint, to bear on the lives of ordinary citizens.

The Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations yesterday called on African leaders not to allow the world body’s efforts in Darfur to diminish, but work hard to take forward the crucial Comprehensive Peace Agreement for the Sudan.