From: Kojo Yankah, GNA Special Correspondent, Johannesburg

Johannesburg, April 18, GNA - Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene on Monday commended South African President Thabo Mbeki for his support for African Traditional leaders in their efforts to organise themselves as partners in the accelerated development of their countries. The Asantehene made the commendation when he paid a courtesy call on President Mbeki at his residence on the second day of his 10-day goodwill visit to South Africa.

He also congratulated President Mbeki on his exemplary leadership in multi-cultural South Africa as well as his untiring role in resolving conflicts on the continent, especially in Cote d'Ivoire. "Your unyielding support for peace in other African states and your role in the creation of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) and the accompanying African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) are very much recognized and respected", he added. On the merger between Anglogold South Africa and the Ashanti Goldfields Company (AGC) Limited to form Anglogold-Ashanti, Otumfuo Osei Tutu described it as 'a major step in economic co-operation between South Africa and Ghana'.

President Mbeki thanked the Asantehene for the visit to South Africa, particularly his interactions with traditional leaders, saying, "it would strengthen the role traditional leaders play in enhancing Africa's development."

The Asantehene presented a rich Kente cloth and sandals to President Mbeki who accepted an invitation to visit Manhyia Palace. He was accompanied by Nana Otuo Siriboe II, Juabenhene and Ghana's High Commissioner to South Africa, Mrs Ellen Nee-Whang. Otumfuo Osei Tutu was being accompanied by a 15-member delegation also attended a reception held in his honour by the Executives of Anglogold Ashanti.

Present at the reception was Mr Bobby Godsell, Chief Executive Officer and Sir Sam Jonah, President of the Company.