Ecowas Says Thank You To Rawlings

The Economic Community of West African States or ECOWAS Thursday expressed its gratitude to Ghanaian outgoing President Jerry John Rawlings, saying his dynamism contributed to the advancement of the sub-regional economic grouping.

It said Rawlings' personal involvement in peace efforts in the then war-torn Liberia was a positive factor in ending a war that had claimed 250,000 lives and turned many more into refugees.

These sentiments were expressed by Lansana Kouyate, Executive Secretary of ECOWAS, on behalf of chairman of the community, Malian President Alpha Konare.

"On behalf of President Konare, I would like to say thank you for what you have done for West Africa and for ECOWAS," he said.

Rawlings served for two consecutive times as ECOWAS chairman in the heat of the Liberian civil war. Many peace talks were held in Accra and Akosombo to help end the bloodshed.

He leaves office Sunday after ending his second four-year term.

Kouyate also cited Rawlings' role in Sierra Leone, the contribution of Ghanaian troops, the president's active support for the fast track policy to advance the policies of ECOWAS.

"We are grateful. Without your personal involvement, the fast track policy, mooted by Ghana and Nigeria, would not have taken off," he said.

Kouyate also briefed Rawlings on peace efforts in Sierra Leone and said the Revolutionary United Front is ready to hand over its positions to UN peacekeeping troops.

"But UN troops cannot occupy those positions because it does not have troops following the withdrawal of Indian and Jordanian troops," he added. "The peace process is gathering momentum but if we do not take the chance, the opportunity will be lost."

Rawlings said he hoped the in-coming administration would continue from where his government left off.

"People did not believe we would leave office. But we have a strong sense of justice," he added.

Meanwhile, eight ECOWAS leaders have confirmed their participation in Sunday's inauguration of John Kufuor as Ghana's fifth elected president.

The Ghana News Agency said there would be representatives from Australia, Germany and the UK as well.