President leaves for South Africa

Accra (Greater Accra), 15th May 99 -

President Jerry John Rawlings left Accra this morning for Pretoria to attend the inauguration of the second democratically elected South African president, Mr. Thabo Mbeki.

The ceremony will also mark the farewell for Mr Nelson Mandela as President of South Africa.

President Rawlings was accompanied by the first lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, Mr James Victor Gbeho, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Comfort Nimo, member council of state and Miss Rebecca Damptey of the Brong Ahafo regional administration.

A statement by Mr. Joseph Laryea, deputy Foreign Minister, said President Rawlings will meet other heads of state and governments.

About 25 African heads of state and representatives 96 countries will be attend ceremony.

President Rawlings and his entourage was seen off at the airport by the Vice President, Professor John Evans Atta Mills and Alhaji Mumuni Bawumia, chairman of the council of state, the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Peter Nanfuri, Ministers of State and the officials of the South African High Commission.

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