President Kufuor returns from UK

President John Agyekum Kufuor returned home on Monday night after a 10-day tour of the United Kingdom at the invitation of Tony Blair, the British Prime Minister.

President Kufuor, together with five other African leaders were invited by Mr Blair to participate in a special meeting on development on the African Continent.

The other leaders are Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, Joachin Chissano of Mozambique, Festus Mogue of Botswana, Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal and Mpaka of Tazania.

Among the issues discussed were African strategies for growth, economic policies, poverty reduction strategies and possible budgetary support to open market economies.

Besides, legal and regulatory systems, Information Technology, intra-African trade links and globalisation were also deliberated upon.

The meeting reflected on good governance, human rights, accountability, and participation of the disadvantaged groups in society. The rest were conflict prevention and resolution, human resource development, education, health, social security and provision of basic amenities.

Three other personalities invited to the meeting but were unable to attend, were UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan; President Alpha Konare of Mali and President Thambo Mbeki of South Africa. President Kufuor would be away for a week.

Vice-President Alhaji Aliu Mahama met the President on arrival at the Kotoka International Airport.