World leaders congratulate Ghana on anniversary

Some world leaders have sent messages of congratulations to President John Agyekum Kufuor on the occasion of the 46th anniversary of Ghana's independence, a statement in Accra signed by Mr Kwabena Agyepong, Press Secretary to the President said on Wednesday.

President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa expressed the hope that the strong ties of friendship and co-operation between the two countries would be enhanced and consolidated for the benefit of "our people and continent".

President George Bush of the United States expressed the hope that the shared commitment to democracy, free market prosperity, peace and stability would strengthen the close relations between the US and Ghana.

President Vladimir Putin of Russia wrote; "I am convinced that relationships of friendship and mutual understanding between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Ghana would deepen consistently in the interest of our nation, for the benefit of the African continent".

The Chinese President, Jiang Zemin noted that under the leadership of President Kufuor, the government and people of Ghana have been exploring a development road and scored commendable achievements in the cause of economic and social development.

Other messages had been received from Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi of Italy and President Mary McAleese of Ireland.

President Georgi Puranov of the Republic of Bulgaria, Colonel Muammar Al Qathafi, President of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya and President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah of Sierra Leone have also sent messages.

The rest were Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and Qaboos Bin Said, Sultans of Brunei and Oman respectively.