Kufuor to visit UK on March 13

Accra, March 8, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor would begin a three-day state visit to the United Kingdom (UK) at the invitation of Queen Elizabeth II from Tuesday, March 13.

As guest of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the President would reside at the Buckingham Palace. He leaves Accra on Monday, March 12. Sixteen African Heads of State have paid similar visits to the UK at the Queen's invitation since 1954. President Kufuor happens to be the first Ghanaian Head of State to receive such an honour.

Mr Andrew Awuni, Press Secretary to the President, told a Castle press briefing on Thursday that President Kufuor, who would be accompanied by his wife Theresa and other senior Government officials, would have a heavy schedule.

According to the programme line up, he would be engaged in 25 activities, at least three of which would be beamed live on television in Ghana.

President Kufuor, he said, would start the visit with a Horse Guard ceremonial welcome by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh After, which he would ride with her Majesty on a state drive to Buckingham Palace.

Among other engagements would be the holding of separate meetings with British Prime Minister Tony Blair, the leader of the British Opposition Party, the Commonwealth Secretary General and the leader of the Liberal Democrats.

He would also be making a major policy statement at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, have a working breakfast with African Heads of Mission and meet with the West African Business Association as well as the Commonwealth Business Council and lay a wreath at Westminster.

Mr Awuni said the President would deliver a lecture at the Liverpool John Moores University, where he would also receive an honorary Doctorate Degree.

He would join Ghanaians in the UK at a big rally in celebration of the country's 50 years independence from British colonial rule. Meanwhile, President Kufuor has granted audience to the American Civil Rights activist, the Reverend Jesse Jackson, at the Castle, Osu. The meeting was held behind closed-door.