Kufuor honoured with Germany's highest national award

Berlin, Aug. 28, GNA - Germany on Wednesday night conferred her highest State Honour, "Bundesverstkreuz" on President John Agyekum Kufuor for his outstanding leadership.

German President Horst Kohler decorated President Kufuor with the medal during his two-day state visit to reinforce Ghanaian-German bilateral co-operation.

President Kohler in a citation said Germans had followed with admiration progress made by Ghana within the last eight years, which had made the nation a model of democracy and stability on the African Continent.

"We are encouraged by the leadership you have provided not only for your country but Africa."

President Kufuor expressed appreciation to Germany for the honour. Ghana and Germany had enjoyed fruitful bilateral relations over the decades and earlier in the day, German Chancellor Angela Merkel pledged her country's resolve to continue to deepen and broaden the relationship.

To date, Germany has committed over one billion euros to various projects and programmes in key sectors of the Ghanaian economy within the context of financial and technical co-operation.

Germany has been making funds to Ghana through contributions to the European Development Fund (EDF), multilateral institutions and United Nations (UN) systems.

Ghana Government's agenda for good governance has received technical support from Germany.

These include technical assistance to strengthen rule of law, support to Land Administration Project, strengthening the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and Tax Administration.

President Kufuor was accompanied by his wife Theresa, Mr Akwasi Osei-Adjei, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and NEPAD and Senior Government Officials.

He wraps up on Thursday and expected home on Saturday, August 30.