Ghana honours President Konare

President John Agyekum Kufuor on Monday, decorated President Alpha Oumar Konare with the State honour of Companion of the Order of the Star of Ghana (CSG) Honorary Division at a banquet held in honour of the Malian leader in Accra.

The citation read by Mr Hackman Owusu-Agyeman, Minister of Foreign Affairs said he was being honoured in recognition of his outstanding leadership, commitment to the promotion of democracy and economic advancement of Mali and his role in promoting co-operation and integration in West Africa.

It mentioned the valuable contribution of the Malian leader towards "rebuilding international confidence in the ability and willingness of African leaders to practice true democracy, good governance and rule of law".

President Kufuor said Mali had become a symbol of democratic governance and stability under the leadership of President Konare for the past 10 years and commended President Konare for presiding over democratic elections in Mali and was leaving office without "a trace" of moves to overstay his allotted term.

"You have conducted yourself with dignity and flair and your sharp intellect has always been a joy to observe. You have thus definitely earned the status of being designated an Eminent person whose talents would continue to be respected".

President Kufuor said President Konare could be used as a goodwill Ambassador by Africa in its efforts to implement the New Partnership for Development in Africa (NEPAD).

President Konare on behalf of the government and people of Mali also decorated President Kufuor with the Great Cross of the Republic of Mali for his leadership and democratic commitment.

He said the honour was in respect of President Kufuor's fight for African integration and "great friendship for Mali".

President Konare said his visit was not only to strengthen relationship between Ghana and Mali but also a testimony of the peace and solidarity existing between Africans.

He stressed the commitment of the two countries to fight for their common interest in Africa and world affairs and commended the government for its efforts to ensure the socio-economic development of Ghana.

President Konare said Ghana and Mali shared common objectives of ensuring good education, food security and improved standard of living for their people.

Apart from talks on private sector co-operation discussions would be held on the democratic process in the two countries, he said, adding that, "We would do everything possible for our people to benefit from this co-operation to be shinning example set by our fore-fathers and work towards an advantageous relationship between us".

President Konare accompanied by Vice President Aliu Mahama would attend a mini-durbar in Kumasi on Tuesday and have audience with Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene.

On Wednesday, the Malian leader would meet African Ambassadors, the Malian community and lay a wreath at the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum.

President Konare visited Ghana in October last year, during which the two countries reviewed their political relations.

The two countries would look at ways of implementing recommendations of the 10th Session of the Ghana-Mali Permanent Joint Commission for Co-operation held in Bamako last year, which agreed on scientific, technical and commercial co-operation during the visit.

President Konare, 56 was first elected President of the Third Republic of Mali in 1992 and was re-elected in 1997 and has just completed his tenure.