He said when his predecessor, former President John Dramani Mahama, told him about presenting Mr Quartey as Ghana’s candidate for the position, “it was a very easy matter for me, because he is a Ghanaian who had the spirit and competence for the job.”President Akufo-Addo revealed this when Mr Quartey, and Mr Victor Gbeho, a renowned Ghanaian Diplomat called on him to thank him for the support offered to the candidature of the AU’s Deputy Chair Person.

Mr Quartey served as Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister under the Mahama government, and was until recently Secretary to the former President.Mr Quartey received the support and backing from President Akufo-Addo, resulting in him receiving 44 out of 54 votes cast, representing 82 per cent.

President Akufo-Addo noted that “it was with a clean and sincere heart that I threw my support, and I am happy that we were successful. I got all the credit for it by my fellow Heads of State, but I believe it was a good day for Ghana”.

The President urged the new Deputy AU Commission Chairperson to help effect the vision of continental integration, and ensure that the proposals adopted at the 28th AU Summit, which included the proposals on continental free trade, and finding sustainable ways of financing the AU, are fully implemented.

He was confident that Kwesi Quartey would do a good job and hold high the flag of Ghana.Mr Gbeho thanked the President for the immense support given to Mr Quartey, and assured him that he would work diligently to justify the confidence reposed in him, as well as enhance Ghana’s image in the comity of nations.