President John Agyekum Kufuor on Monday said the Malian President Alpha Oumar Konare was being honoured by Ghana for his distinguished stewardship and invaluable services to ECOWAS. He said President Konare performed his leadership role in ECOWAS with distinction that should be copied by all leaders in the Sub-region.
"Your invitation to Ghana was to be honoured for your distinguished stewardship and the invaluable services your leadership provided to ECOWAS which should be copied by all leaders in the Sub-region." President Kufuor was speaking when bilateral talks between Ghana and Mali began at the Castle, Osu.
He said the leadership qualities of President Konare had led to progress in the relationship between both countries and with his tenure of office coming to an end it was ideal he was honoured not only by Malians but Ghanaians, who shared their aspirations.
President Kufuor said relationship between Ghana and Mali had existed centuries ago before both countries achieved independence and this had continued to be strengthened. President Konare said a strong faith of relationship had been established between Ghana and Mali.
He said it was this strengthened democratic principles in the two countries which when copied in other countries would enable the African Continent to progress. President Konare expressed appreciation to his host for the invitation and honour when he had about three weeks to hand-over to his successor, General Amadu Tumani Toure, who recently won the general election in Mali.
Other activities planned for the visit include the opening of the Sahel and West Africa Club meeting in Accra. After the Ghana-Mali bilateral talks, a state banquet would be hosted where President Konare would be honoured with the highest state honour; "Companion of the Order of the Star of Ghana".
