Accra, Jan. 11, GNA - German President Horst Kohler on Thursday arrived in Accra to a rousing welcome for a four-day official visit to Ghana.
Eva, his wife, and a 170-member delegation made up of Government Officials and businessmen are accompanying him.
President John Agyekum Kufuor and Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama were on hand to officially welcome him when the German Presidential Jet carrying him and his delegation touched down at the Kotoka International Airport at exactly 1405 hours.
As he stepped out of the aircraft, eight-year old Sheresh Poku and her seven-year old sister, Joele Poku, both pupils of the Westend International School, Kasoa, presented to him and the wife, the "Akwaaba" bouquet.
President Kohler was then escorted to a saluting dais erected in his honour by his host, where the national anthems of Germany and Ghana were played while the traditional 21-gun salute boomed at the background.
Thereafter, he inspected a Guard of Honour mounted by Three Officers and 101 men of the Ghana Navy amidst a beautiful rendition of some popular Ghanaian gospel tunes.
President Kufuor later introduced President Kohler to the welcoming party, comprising the Chairman of the Council of State; Ministers and the Diplomatic Community while the Ghana Dance Ensemble treated him and his delegation to some cultural drumming and dancing.
From the Airport, the German President was driven to the La Palm Beach Hotel, where he would be staying.
President Kohler and President Kufuor are scheduled to hold bilateral talks later in the day.
President Kohler has requested to visit Kumasi to pay a courtesy call on the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at his Manhyia Palace and also to interact with students of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
He would participate in an African Forum slated for January 13 and January 14 2007 in Accra.
He leaves on Sunday, January 14.
