Mo Ibrahim Foundation gives high marks to President Kufuor

Accra, April 21, GNA - The Mo Ibrahim Foundation on Monday gave high marks to President John Agyekum Kufuor for his good leadership. It said through its interactions with a cross section of the Ghanaian civil society including academics, civil servants, business people, journalists and students, it was amazed at how the country was moving forward.

"Ghana is a good example for Africa," Dr Mo Ibrahim, a Sudanese-born British mobile communications entrepreneur, said when he led a delegation to pay a courtesy call on President Kufuor at the Castle, Osu.

His Foundation was set up to promote good governance and recognize excellence in African leadership.

Dr. Ibrahim said he was impressed with the country's healthy political atmosphere that was engendering good governance, respect for fundamental rights and rule of law.

Mrs. Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and a member of the Ibrahim Prize Index of African Governance Committee, said of President Kufuor; "You are one of the leaders the world could look up to."

Responding, President Kufuor said leadership was what Africa needed to change its fortunes and commended Dr. Ibrahim for his vision in setting up the Foundation.

He said he was into politics to serve the people and the nation and he was determined to end his term of office well and on a high note. Earlier, Mr. Ian Cockerill, outgoing Chief Executive Officer of Goldfields Limited, called to say farewell to President Kufuor. He said the mining company was making enormous progress and he was confident that his departure would not in any way affect its efficient operation.

The company's success story in Ghana, he noted, was a good example of what could be achieved in Africa.

President Kufuor said the Government would explore with mining companies how to ensure that both parties benefited when there was a windfall on the international market. The partnership must be a "win-win" for all parties, he added.