President Worried About Cote d'Ivoire

President John Agyekum Kufuor said the attempted coup in Cote d'Ivoire is disturbing especially since he had just asked the UN General Assembly to shed off the notion of Africa's cycle of instability and violence.

President Kufuor, who was briefing newsmen on his return from the US where he attended the 53rd UN General Assembly, said Ghana is studying the situation and would make the appropriate comment.

Mr Hackman Owusu-Agyemang, Foreign Minister who accompanied the President said Ghana would do whatever it takes to support the legitimate government in Cote d'Ivoire. "The situation there is worrisome since the country shares borders with Ghana," he said.

Giving highlights of the visit, the Foreign Minister said the President's maiden speech at the assembly which was well received centred on African development and the way forward and as well as what the world must do to empower the UN.

He said President Kufuor stressed on the need for global coalition against terrorism and reassured the international community of Ghana's readiness to join the fight against the phenomenon.

The President also briefed the assembly on what Africa was doing to put its house in order as well as the way forward for NEPAD and asked the International al Community to support the continent.

President Kufuor outlined the vision of Ghana and efforts being made by the government to put the economy on the right path and also appealed to the donor nations to assist Ghana so that the private sector could become the engine of growth.

He also held bilateral discussions with President George Bush on Ghana-US relationship.

President Kufuor held discussions with his counterpart from Equatorial Guinea on the strengthening of political and economic ties of both countries.

The President met with Baroness Amos of UK to discuss issues on the G8 action group for NEPAD as well how to rope in other industrialised countries to assist Africa in her developmental efforts.

The Foreign Minister said Ghana was made a member of the implementation Committee of NEPAD. He said a meeting was held by the Security Council of the UN on ECOWAS efforts at bringing peace to the Manor River Region - Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

President Kufuor later was at the Salt lake city, in Utah where he went to the salt industry and encouraged authorities to come to Ghana to explore investment opportunities.

Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama, Ministers of State, the IGP and the Chief of Defence Staff met the President and his entourage on arrival.