Lennox Lewis Calls on President Kufour

The current undisputed world heavyweight boxing champion, Lennox Lewis who is on a 10-day private visit to Ghana on Friday paid a courtesy call on President John Agyekum Kufour at the Castle, Osu.

Lewis the second World Heavyweight Boxing Champion to visit Ghana after the legendary Mohammed Ali was accompanied by his mother Ms Violet Blake and world renowned boxing promoter, Don King. President Kufour commended Lewis for his determination to combine his trade with economic development by aiming at establishing an economic venture in Ghana. He described Lewis as a great inspirer with a lot of imagination – his affirmative for Ghana and the kindred spirit, which has brought him to Ghana.

President Kufour said “the whole nation is proud to welcome you and for winning the championship belt in your last fight against "Iron" Mike Tyson”. The Minister of Youth and Sports, Mar Edward Osei-Kwaku said although the visit is short, it is memorable and significant that two well renowned personalities in boxing are visiting Ghana.

Lewis said he is happy to be in Ghana, which is the first African country he has visited. He said he hopes to meet the youth and most of his admirers during his visit adding that he loves Ghana.

Don King appealed to the government for a Ghanaian citizenship referring to Ghana as a country of pride, dignity and substance.

He said ‘we have a struggle ahead of us and we would work towards a better Ghana under the leadership of President Kufour". He stressed the need for government to endeavour to add value to the raw material resources such as cocoa, gold and salt, which she exports for effective economic development. Don King said the visit is part of a process to work with the Ghanaian youth to promote boxing and economic development in the country.

Lewis who ends his visit on Saturday, September 7, is expected to call on the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at the Manhyia Palace on Wednesday, September 4, and a visit to Cape Coast.