Thousands Greet Rawlings on Return

Hundreds of Ghanaians last Friday night thronged the Kotoka International Airport to give the President Flt. Lt. JJ Rawlings a rousing welcome when he returned home after undergoing medical treatment in Zurich, Switzerland.

The crowd some of whom carried NDC party flags and placards drummed and danced to show their delight at the safe the safe return of President Rawlings who is also the founder and leader of the party.

There was spontaneous outburst of joy when the British Airways flight carrying the President touched down around 8.15pm and taxied towards the red carpet that had been laid for him.

Even at the time of the night the crowd surged forward giving the few security personnel present some real work to do. As the President who looked healthy and fit descended from the gangway the crowd became more hysteric and sang and shouted welcome to him.

The Vice-President Professor J. E. Atta Mills his wife Naadu the Minister of National Security, Mr Kofi Totofi Quakyi the Inspector - General of Police, Peter Nanfufi and the Chief of Defence Staff Lt. Gen. Ben Akafia were among a high - power delegation that welcomed the President.

After the official welcoming ceremony the President accompanied by the First Lady, Nana Konadu and the Minister of State Protocol, Mr Daniel Ohena Agyekum went round to greet and solidarise with the crowd. Here the President was mobbed by the crowd and despite efforts by the security personnel, he found it extremely difficult to get into his vehicle as everyone wanted to touch him or shake hands with him.

Mr Agyekum later told newsmen that the President was sound and healthy after his operation and was ready to resume his duties. President Rawlings left Accra of September 5, to attend the Un Millennium summit. He also paid an official visit to the united Kingdom, where he received an honorary Doctor of Law Degree from the University of Glasgow, Scotland.

The President also addressed the Scotland. Parliament in Edinburgh as was made a co-patron of the Greenwich-Tema Partnership for Development at a ceremony at the Greenwich Town Hall.

The other patron is the Duke of Edinburgh. After the UK visit the President went to Scotland for what was to be a routine medical Check-up but had to undergo two medical operations for some sleep and respiration disorders. Yesterday the President attend the burial service of his late uncle Mr Agobotui who died in Accra.