Kufuor holds talks with UN Secretary-General

The visiting UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan on Wednesday held talks with President John Agyekum Kufuor behind closed doors at the Castle, Osu. The talks were believed to have centred on issues of concern to the UN and Ghana.

Speaking to the press just before the talks, Mr. Annan said it was opportune for him to come back home for more inspiration to continue with the task ahead at the UN.

He said although the 10-day visit was private it would afford him and his wife the opportunity to observe the developments made, discuss the role played by Ghana in UN peacekeeping operations, New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) and conflicts affecting the African Continent.

"It would also afford me the opportunity to learn from the various Ministers of State their plans and projects for the country's development", he said.

He asked Ghanaians to consolidate the achievements made under democratic rule and build upon it for the country's development.

President Kufuor said government was aware Mr. Annan had been a great advocate for Ghana within the UN.

He said Ghanaians welcomed Mr. Annan and his wife, Nane with open arms, and Annan being a compatriot and holding the high office of the World Body reflected on the country's fortunes.

President Kufuor said the discussion, which would centre on matters of concern to Ghana and the UN would enable the government to have an insight into their operations and expressed the hope that the country would benefit from his experience.

Earlier Mr. Annan held discussions with both the Majority and Minority groups in Parliament.

The State would host a banquet in his honour on Wednesday in Accra and Asanteman would hold a durbar for him at the Manhyia Palace, Kumasi on Friday. He would tour some regions.

The visiting UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan on Wednesday held talks with President John Agyekum Kufuor behind closed doors at the Castle, Osu. The talks were believed to have centred on issues of concern to the UN and Ghana.

Speaking to the press just before the talks, Mr. Annan said it was opportune for him to come back home for more inspiration to continue with the task ahead at the UN.

He said although the 10-day visit was private it would afford him and his wife the opportunity to observe the developments made, discuss the role played by Ghana in UN peacekeeping operations, New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) and conflicts affecting the African Continent.

"It would also afford me the opportunity to learn from the various Ministers of State their plans and projects for the country's development", he said.

He asked Ghanaians to consolidate the achievements made under democratic rule and build upon it for the country's development.

President Kufuor said government was aware Mr. Annan had been a great advocate for Ghana within the UN.

He said Ghanaians welcomed Mr. Annan and his wife, Nane with open arms, and Annan being a compatriot and holding the high office of the World Body reflected on the country's fortunes.

President Kufuor said the discussion, which would centre on matters of concern to Ghana and the UN would enable the government to have an insight into their operations and expressed the hope that the country would benefit from his experience.

Earlier Mr. Annan held discussions with both the Majority and Minority groups in Parliament.

The State would host a banquet in his honour on Wednesday in Accra and Asanteman would hold a durbar for him at the Manhyia Palace, Kumasi on Friday. He would tour some regions.