Rawlings arrives home from Mbeki's inauguration

Accra (Greater Accra) 18 June '99

President Jerry John Rawlings returned home on Thursday from South Africa, where he attended the installation of Mr Thabo Mbeki as the new president of that country.

President Rawlings was accompanied by Nana Konadu, Mr James Victor Gbeho, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Ms Rebecca Damte, of the Brong Ahafo regional administration.

The President was welcomed at the airport by Vice-President Professor John Atta Mills, Aljhaji Mumuni Bawumia, Chairman of the Council of State, Mr Peter Nanfuri, the IGP, service commanders and the Acting South African High Commissioner in Ghana, Mr Phillip Reilley.

Speaking to reporters, Mr Gbeho said the people of South Africa paid a tribute to their hero and leader, Mr Nelson Mandela, for serving his nation for five years as president.

South Africans are also fond of Mr Mandela's successor, President Mbeki, and it is no wonder that he was unanimously elected to the position, he said.

Mr Gbeho said President Mbeki's address touched on many issues, especially the difficulties confronting them as a nation, and echoed the feelings of South Africans that the challenges must be surmounted.

He said a significant number of African leaders attended the ceremony alongside other senior government officials from Europe and other parts of the world.

"This proves that South Africa's fortunes lie with the continent of Africa and confirms what President Mbeki said during his address that South Africa should no longer be considered as an extension of Europe but rather as an African state."

On the question of President Rawlings stepping down in the year 2000, Mr Gbeho said a change in political leadership is good for all countries and cited the example of South Africa, saying, "this should please every African".