President Mahama has defended his decision to embark on his recent tour of some African countries to thank their leaders for supporting Ghana during President Mills’ funeral.

The President had been criticized by some of his critics for the trip, but he told journalists that the visit was to boost Ghana’s relationship with its neighbouring countries.

President Mahama said “I think that I should have conducted this much earlier than I did. Often, in our foreign relations, our neighbours are very important and so after the incident that happened…it was necessary for me to visit our neighbouring countries.”

He said he went there to assure the leaders of these countries, that Ghana’s relationship with them will not change despite the change in leadership as a result of the demise of President Mills.

President Mahama visited Ivory Coast, Togo, Burkina Faso, Benin and Nigeria before returning home on Friday.

He had earlier toured nine regions to thank the chiefs and people for their support during the funeral and burial rites of the late president.