Queen Elizabeth praises democracy in Ghana

08:42 a.m. Nov 08, 1999 Eastern

By Vincent t'Sas

ACCRA, Nov 8 (Reuters) - Britain's Queen Elizabeth, on the first leg of a three-nation African tour, praised Ghana on Monday as a country at the forefront of a democratic renaissance in the continent.

The Queen, addressing parliament on the second and main day of her first state visit to the former British colony since 1961, predicted that national elections next year would enhance that reputation.

Earlier, she drove through the capital Accra under a blue sky and in bright sunshine to the cheers of residents waving Ghanaian and Union Jack flags.

``The people of this country have been in the forefront of the renaissance in Africa of democratic values,'' she told parliament, in a speech broadcast by state radio and television.

``Next year, your president, who has led you through the implemented changes, will reach the end of his second term,'' she said, only to be interrupted by sustained cries of ``Hear, Hear'' from the opposition benches.

With President Jerry Rawlings looking on, she continued: ``His successor is to be chosen freely and fairly by the people of Ghana and this election will itself demonstrate the political change and freedom which Ghana now enjoys. ``

Rawlings, who led two coups and went on to win two elected terms of office, cannot run again under the constitution.

``An open society of free media, a truly independent judiciary and and a democratically chosen accountable executive provides the condition under which the equality of opportunity, initiative and a stable society can flourish,'' the Queen said.

``I am pleased to be able to applaud Ghana's achievements here in your parliament and look forward to a successful future for our two countries as we move forward into the 21st century.''

The Queen, who later attended a colourful Durbah meeting of traditional chiefs, also paid tribute to Ghana's role in peacekeeping in Africa and around the world.

The Queen, who was accompanied by her husband Prince Philip, leaves on Tuesday for South Africa, where she will open the annual Commonwealth heads of government summit. She will also visited Mozambique.

Ghana won independence from Britain in 1957, starting a trend that ended British rule in colonies across the continent. Ghana became a republic in 1960 under the terms of a 1958 referendum.