Chinese Premier arrives in Ghana

Accra, June 19, GNA - Mr Wen Jiabao, the Chinese Premier, on Sunday arrived in the Ghanaian Capital, Accra to a rousing welcome for an official two days visit.

The visit forms part of his seven-nations African tour to boost trade and bilateral relations with Africa.

President John Agyekum Kufuor and his Vice, Alhaji Aliu Mahama were at the Airport to welcome him.

Also present were senior Government Ministers, Members of the Diplomatic Corps and Service Commanders.

The Chinese Presidential Jet, carrying Mr Jiabao touched down at exactly 1630 hours, as soon as he descended to the foot of the gangway, he was presented with a bouquet by a nine-year-old Maria Theresa Makata of the Mary Mother Good Counsel School.

President Kufuor then escorted him to a saluting dais erected in his honour, as the Ghana Navy Band struck the National Anthems of Ghana and China and a 19-gun salute boomed at the background. He later inspected a guard of honour mounted by three officers and 96 men from the Ghana Navy.

An enthusiastic crowd made up of Ghanaians and the Chinese community, who had gathered at the airport waved miniature flags of the two countries, while African Showtime Dancers, a cultural troupe, treated the Premier and his delegation to traditional drumming and dancing.

This is the second time in 42 years that a Chinese Premier is visiting the country.

The late Chinese Premier Zhou En-lai visited Ghana in 1964.

Accra, June 19, GNA - Mr Wen Jiabao, the Chinese Premier, on Sunday arrived in the Ghanaian Capital, Accra to a rousing welcome for an official two days visit.

The visit forms part of his seven-nations African tour to boost trade and bilateral relations with Africa.

President John Agyekum Kufuor and his Vice, Alhaji Aliu Mahama were at the Airport to welcome him.

Also present were senior Government Ministers, Members of the Diplomatic Corps and Service Commanders.

The Chinese Presidential Jet, carrying Mr Jiabao touched down at exactly 1630 hours, as soon as he descended to the foot of the gangway, he was presented with a bouquet by a nine-year-old Maria Theresa Makata of the Mary Mother Good Counsel School.

President Kufuor then escorted him to a saluting dais erected in his honour, as the Ghana Navy Band struck the National Anthems of Ghana and China and a 19-gun salute boomed at the background. He later inspected a guard of honour mounted by three officers and 96 men from the Ghana Navy.

An enthusiastic crowd made up of Ghanaians and the Chinese community, who had gathered at the airport waved miniature flags of the two countries, while African Showtime Dancers, a cultural troupe, treated the Premier and his delegation to traditional drumming and dancing.

This is the second time in 42 years that a Chinese Premier is visiting the country.

The late Chinese Premier Zhou En-lai visited Ghana in 1964.