Prez. Kufuor Meets Ghanaians In South Africa

President John Agyekum Kufuor on Sunday reiterated that the government's major concern was to unite the country for progress in its socio-economic development efforts. He said: "Our concern is to unite our country for progress. This is the only way to develop and make Ghana a true gateway to the West African Sub-Region."

President Kufuor was addressing the Ghanaian community in Pretoria, South Africa, where he made a stopover on his way back home after a four-day state visit to Mauritius. He gave the assurance that the government would play its role as expected of a true democratic government.

Dr Samuel Yaw Annor, President of the association of Ghanaians resident in Pretoria, appealed to the government to prove sceptics who perceive the NPP administration as that of vindictiveness and vengeance wrong. He, however, said, reports received from Ghana indicated that there has not been much tension in the country since the government assumed office.

He commended the government for the achievements made so far, and told President Kufuor that, "as 'Father' of the nation, we hope you will lead Ghanaians to a prosperous nation."

President Kufuor is expected back home on Monday with his entourage, who included Mr. Yaw Osafo Maafo, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning and Mr. Alan Kyerematen, Minister of Trade, Industry and Special Presidential Initiatives.

The rest were Mr. Akwasi Osei Adjei, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Daniel Kufuor Osei, Secretary to the President, Mr. Kwabena Agyepong, Press Secretary to the President and Presidential Spokesman and the First Lady Mrs. Theresah Kufuor.