Veep to attend Guinea's 50th independence anniversary

From Nana Kodjo Jehu-Appiah, GNA Special Correspondent, Conakry, Guinea

Conakry, Oct. 1, GNA- Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama, on Wednesday, led a government delegation, to Guinea to grace the country's 50th independence anniversary, which is on the general theme: "Together We Build."

Alhaji Mahama who was accompanied by Dr Charles Brempong-Yeboah, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and NEPAD, was met on arrival by Alhaji Aboubacar Sompare, President of the National Assembly of Guinea.

The Vice President, who interacted with journalists at the Gbessia International Airport, noted that Ghana is part of the Golden Jubilee celebration, in an effort to deepen the spirit behind the historic Ghana-Guinea-Mali Union, which has become the African Union.

"There was a personal attachment of the first President of Ghana, the late Dr Kwame Nkrumah and Sekou Toure of Guinea; so this celebration is our celebration. We are here (Conakry) to give solidarity and support."

Alhaji Mahama expressed the view that the landmark event would facilitate the country's development, stressing: "50 years is no mean achievement."

He said Ghana was ready to work hand-in-hand with Guinea in order to promote the prosperity of the two West African states.

Mr Ahmadou Lamarana-Bah Guinea's Foreign affairs, told journalists that eight Heads of State or their representatives, comprising Sierra Leone, Liberia, Cote, d' Ivoire, Senegal, Guinea Bissau, France, Russia and China are expected for the celebration.

President Lansana Conte, sent a special delegation on September 17, led by a Special Convoy, Mr Youssif Sylla to formerly invite Ghana, to attend the anniversary celebration.

Guinea, which is a Unitary State with the population of 9.4 million, gained independence from France on October 2, 1958. French is the main official language. The main stay of the economy are petroleum products, minerals, coffee and other agricultural produce. The late President Nkrumah was given asylum in Guinea after he was overthrown in a bloody military coup in 1966, where his mortal remains was buried until Ghana requested for re-interment at Nkroful in the Western Region and later at the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum.