Rawlings Against Trying Sierra Leone Rebel Leader In Ghana

ACCRA, Ghana (PANA) - President Jerry Rawlings Tuesday put to rest media reports that Sierra Leone rebel leader Foday Sankoh might be tried in Ghana, saying "as long as I remain the president of Ghana I will not allow that monster to be tried here."

He said there are other countries Sankoh could be tried in but not in Ghana.

"That man is fit for the a psychiatric hospital or a zoo. I hope media reports that he might be tried in Ghana are speculations," Rawlings added when he received UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, accompanied by his wife, Nanie.

Annan is in his home country on an official visit during which a state honour will be conferred on him. The University of Ghana, Legon, will also give him an honorary doctorate degree.

Sankoh, now under arrest in Sierra Leone awaiting trial, formed the rebel Revolutionary United Front which he led to launch the country's civil war.

Under his leadership, the front committed atrocities against the civilian population such as amputation of limbs, burning, looting, and raping.

The UN has fielded peacekeeping troops in Sierra Leone in a bid to enforce a peace agreement signed in Lome, Togo, in 1999 and has indicated it would set up an international tribunal to try Sankoh.

Rawlings recalled Ghana's contributions to the UN, including providing technocrats and peacekeeping troops, and said the country will continue playing its role and have constructive relations with the world body.

He mentioned Ghana's peacekeeping operations in West Africa, saying they have been difficult taking into account limited resources. "We have received some support from developed countries but this has not been enough," he added.

Annan said he would use his visit to discuss matters of common interest to Ghana and the UN, especially peacekeeping in Sierra Leone.