Ghana’s former President, Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings and his wife, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings were specialguests at the inauguration of Dr. Hage Geingob as the third President of the Republic of Namibia last Saturday March 21. The colourful ceremony, which saw several heads of state from the continent converge in the Namibia capital was attended by a large number of Namibians from all walks of life despite heavy clouds hanging over the Independence Stadium in Windhoek. The event also coincided with the 25th anniversary of Namibia’s independence from South Africa. President Geingob in his inaugural address said the main priority of his government would be to address socio economic gaps that exist in society. Prior to their trip to Namibia the new Namibia High Commissioner to Ghana, Charles Josop called on the former President at his Accra office to pay his respects and announce the establishment of a Namibia mission in Ghana. Ambassador Josop said Namibia has always looked to Ghana for inspiration and commended Ghana for its sustained support for freedom struggles across the continent. He said his country respects the role President Rawlings played in developing Ghana and indicated that the establishment of the High Commission was aimed at enhancing Ghana-Namibia relations. President Rawlings praised the quality of integrity of the Namibian people and said if the political leadership has been able to hold into their integrity it offers hope for a bright future in terms of development. The former President said: “Corruption overrides the honest activities of the citizenry and stunts growth” and called on the government and people of Namibia to strive to uphold the high standards. President Rawlings also spoke about the potential for business opportunities between the ports authorities of the two countries especially in the area of dry-docks.