African Ambassadors Bid Rawlings Farewell

Ambassadors from African countries in Accra Wednesday heaped praises on Ghana's outgoing President Jerry John Rawlings for his sterling leadership qualities and said he has more years of service to render the continent when he steps down January.

"Your Excellency is still in his prime and has several more years of service to render Africa and the rest of the world. Above all, Africa still needs you," the envoys said in a statement read by Ambassador William Greaves of Liberia.

"We believe that in January 2001, you will merely be transiting from one assignment to another. We are certain that whatever the new assignment is, you will again use it to chalk another success," they added.

Rawlings steps down 7 January when a new president is sworn in.

The ambassadors said Rawlings has been a great inspiration to several African leaders. "The courage which you have demonstrated during times of trial and your single-minded pursuit of the interest of your country and our continent will remain indelible footprints in the sands of time," they added.

They said for the 20 years that Rawlings has been at the helm, the world has witnessed the steady transformation of Ghana from a state of near despair to one of confidence and hope.

Rawlings told the envoys that since the turn of the decade, political reforms have been taking place in Africa and democracy is gaining roots.

However, he said, in today's globalised world, African countries continue to be marginalised by an inequitable international economic order.

"In addition, our continent has been afflicted by a spate of intra-state and cross border conflicts which have dissipated our scarce resources and wrecked havoc on our economies," he added.