President Mills returns from Abuja

Accra, May 17, GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills, returned home this afternoon from Abuja-Nigeria, after a day's official visit.

Alhaji Mohamed Mumuni, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, who accompanied President Mills, told journalists at the Kotoka International Airport that President Mills expressed the condolences of the government and people of Ghana on the demise of President Umaru Yar'Adua of Nigeria, and also assured newly sworn-in President Goodluck Jonathan, of the goodwill and support of Ghana.

The Minister said President Jonathan who was highly appreciative of the gesture, recalled the long standing relationship between the two countries and expressed the hope that the existing bonds would even be strengthened. President Yar'Adua, 58, who assumed office in 2007, died in Abuja on May 5th, 2010, after falling ill for a long period.

Mr. Jonathan who had been acting as President since February 9th,2010, due to Ya Adua's illness, was sworn into office as president, a day after Yar' Adua's death.

At the airport to welcome President Mills was Vice President John Dramani Mahama, Ministers of State, and senior military and police personnel.