Japanese PM arrives

... to a red carpet welcome
Accra, May 1, GNA - Mr. Junichiro Koizumi, the Japanese Prime Minister, on Monday arrived in Ghana to a red carpet welcome. President John Agyekum Kufuor and his Vice, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, were on hand to receive him at the gangway as soon as the Boeing 747400 carrying him touched down at the Kotoka International Airport at exactly 1709 hours.

Maria Theresa Makata, an eight-year old pupil of Mary Mother Good Counsel School presented the "Akwaaba" bouquet to Mr Koizumi, after which the host President escorted him to the saluting dais raised in his honour.

The Navy Band immediately struck the Japan and Ghana national anthems when the two leaders took positions on the dais with a 19-gun salute booming at the background.

This was followed with the inspection of a Guard of Honour mounted by Three Officers and 150 men of the Ghana Navy.

With the inspection over, the Japanese Prime Minister returned to the dais where once again the anthems of the two nations were played. President Kufuor later introduced to him, the Ghanaian welcoming party that included Ministers of State and Members of the Diplomatic Corps.
The African Dance Show Troupe treated the visiting Prime Minister to some beautiful cultural performances and wonderful acrobatic displays as the enthusiastic crowd of Ghanaians and Japanese waved miniature flags of Ghana and Japan to welcome him.
Mr Koizumi, who is being accompanied by a 121-member delegation, including businessmen will visit the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, and attend a Ghana-Japan summit at the Castle, Osu, during his three-day visit.