ACCRA, Ghana (PANA)—A group of high-level African officials and technical managers May 15 ended a three-day conference in Accra on the millennium bug and declared the problem an emergency which should be a "priority of all regional meetings."

In a six-point resolution adopted by representatives from 45 African states and organizations, the conference urged African governments to identify and commit resources to resolve the millennium problem.

Otherwise known as Y2K, the bug is an expected flaw in computer systems that may result in a complete shut down or malfunctioning of computers at the beginning of 2000.

Most African nations, considered to be emerging economies, are prone to the Y2K problem as a result of the rapid technological changes sweeping across the continent.

"We underscore the need for resolute action in Y2K efforts in all African countries and the region and the rest of the world,’’ the participants resolved.

They called on African governments and regional organizations to engage the political and diplomatic machinery to bring the Y2K issue on the agenda of the Council of Ministers’ meetings of regional organizations.

Accordingly, the conference resolved to establish an African Y2K Coordinating Body in the form of a working group and an African Action Group.

The action group will promote and improve external communications, media exposure, and raise awareness on the actual Y2K situation in Africa, among other duties.

In closing remarks, Ghana’s deputy minister of communications, Rebecca Adotey, welcomed the action body which, she said, would coordinate and facilitate the Y2K resolution campaign in Africa.

"Again, the adoption of the resolutions, agreements and decisions on regional coordination reflects our consensus and collective resolve on the way forward,’’ she said.

Since cross-border issues relating to the Y2K problem will be dealt with by the group, Ms. Adotey urged its members to sustain the crusade within their borders.