Prez Kufuor receives congratulatory messages from World Leaders

President John Agyekum Kufuor on Friday received congratulatory and goodwill messages from some world leaders on the eve of Ghana's 47th Independence anniversary.

A statement issued in Accra and signed by Mr Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, Press Secretary to the President said Queen Elizabeth of Britain wished the President and Ghanaians "prosperity and happiness on the occasion of our 47th independence anniversary".

Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands wished President Kufuor and Ghanaians a prosperous future.

President Vladimir Putin of Russia said: " I am convinced that the relations of friendship and co-operation between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Ghana will continue to develop for the benefit of the peoples of our two countries in the interest of peace and stability on the African Continent."

President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi of Italy expressed the hope that the friendly relations and collaboration between the two countries would be enriched through new forms.

President Hu Jintao of China said "under President Kufuor's leadership, ECOWAS has made significant contributions towards the preservation of peace and promotion of integration of the West African Sub-Region". He said he shared in the achievements Ghana had made in various fields and wished her new progress in her great future ahead.

Emperor Akihito of Japan prayed for prosperity and happiness for the President and people of Ghana.

Namibian President Sam Nujoma said Ghana and Namibia shared many years of excellent friendship, co-operation and solidarity and was confident that the friendly and brotherly relations that existed between the two countries would be further strengthened for their mutual benefit.

He wished the President, good health, wisdom and renewed strength and expressed the hope that the two countries would continue to co-operate at both bilateral and regional levels in finding permanent and peaceful solutions to the problems that undermined peace and economic prosperity on the Continent.

President Roh Moo-Hyun of the Republic of Korea noted with satisfaction the significant developments in the friendly and co-operative relations between the Republic of Korea and Ghana and expressed the hope that the existing relations would be further strengthened to the mutual benefit of both countries.

Togolese President Gnassingbe Eyadema stressed his determination to reinforce the excellent relations between Ghana and Togo. He said " whilst renewing our ardent wishes of health and happiness for you and your family as well as for peace and ever increasing prosperity for your country, please accept Mr President and dear brother, the assurances of my highest consideration".

Libyan Leader Colonel Muammar Al-Qadafi wished good health and happiness as well as progress and prosperity to the President and people of Ghana.

The statement said other messages were received from the Presidents of Singapore, Lebanon, Brazil and the Swiss Confederation. The rest were from the Presidents of Zimbabwe, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic.