Kumasi, Nov. 04, GNA - Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, has called for stronger economic ties between Ghana and Jamaica for the mutual benefit of their peoples.

This should be in the spirit of South-South co-operation. Otumfuo Osei Tutu said this when former Jamaican Prime Minister, Persival Noel James Paterson, paid a courtesy call on him at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Wednesday.

The Asantehene noted that the current global crises demanded effective and pragmatic efforts by both developed and developing counties to address problems of socio-economic development. He commended Jamaica for the tremendous development of its tourism industry and expressed the hope that the former Premier's visit would enable the two countries to share experiences and strengthen their co-operation.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu said he was confident that it would additionally help to reinforce the cordial relations between the two countries. Mr Paterson said Ghana and Jamaica had related well over the years and that he was in the country to assist to take the relationship to new heights.

He lauded the Asantehene for his efforts and various initiatives to help to positively transform the living conditions of the people. Mr Paterson, who briefed the Asantehene on the socio-economic and political conditions in Jamaica, later toured the Manhyia Palace Museum, Centre for National Culture and the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH). 04 Nov. 09