The President Is Back Home

The President, Flt-Lt. Rawlings, and the First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings have returned home after a 10-day investment promotion tour of Japan, Malaysia and South Africa. He was met on arrival by the Vice President, Professor Atta Mills, and his wife Mrs.. Naadu Mills. Briefing newsmen on the trip, the Foreign Minister, Mr.Gbeho, described the visit to Japan as fruitful. He said President Rawlings took the opportunity to discuss bilateral issues with the Japanese Prime Minister, Mr.. Hashimoto, the Emperor and Empress of Japan as well as members of the Japanese government. Mr.. Gbeho said Japan has been the most generous donor in terms of grants and aid. He said the Japanese Prime Minister took turns to analyse the state of the country's economy to President Rawlings and his entourage and how it will affect investment to Ghana. Another highlight was the economic forums organised in Tokyo and Nasaka which attracted Japanese businessmen and potential investors to the round table with Ghanaian private investors. There was also a photo exhibition on 40 years of Ghana's independence. In Malaysia, Mr.. Gbeho said, the Prime Minister, Dr.. Mahathir Mohammed, conferred with the President and his delegation on the effect that the financial crisis in East Asia is likely to have on investment to Africa and Ghana in particular. In South Africa, Presidents Rawlings and Nelson Mandela held talks on bilateral issues. gri