Accra, Aug. 18, GNA - Vice President Aliu Mahama on Monday conferred the State Honour of the Grand Medal, Honorary Division, on Mr Lu Yongshou, outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, for his significant contribution to the socio-economic development of Ghana.

At an investiture ceremony at the Castle, Osu, Foreign Minister, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufu-Addo read the citation, which praised Mr Lu for " his tireless dedication and exemplary determination" to improve the socio-economic fortunes of Ghana.

The citation commended Mr Lu's instrumentality in getting Chinese loans and investments to support, particularly, the in development of infrastructure and in the transportation, telecommunications and health sectors of the economy.

Mr Lu, the citation said, facilitated the successful visit of President John Agyekum Kufuor to China, in October, last year, which yielded 150 million dollars Shanghai-Alcatel investment for the expansion of the telecommunications network in Ghana.

He is also credited with his country's 90 million-dollar interest-free loan to Ghana for the construction of a portion of the Accra-Kumasi road, which is to be released in three equal instalments. The recently commissioned hospital at Ada, which was constructed and equipped with 5.6 million dollars from the Chinese Government, was also his handiwork.

It was during Mr Lu's duty tour that the Chinese Government, last year cancelled 85 per cent of Ghana's debt, which totalled 58.5 million dollars. The level of relief in percentage terms is said to be the highest granted to any African country, as the normal rate is usually 40 per cent.

Other programmes, which Mr Lu is said to have supported; include the building of the Net Factory at Tema and the Youth Centre being built for the Ministry of Education; Youth and Sports at Kumasi.

Additionally, a Chinese team was recently in Ghana to assess the railway network to consider its expansion to the Northern Sector and neighbouring countries, while an Agricultural Station is to be set up to extend Chinese technical assistance to Ghanaians.

Humanitarian activities include the donation of relief items to victims of the crisis at Dagbon and the donation of computers to several organisations.

Mr Lu, in an interview, said his honour was to the credit of the Government and People of China, his wife, Wenying and his staff at the Embassy and the Chinese people living in Ghana.

Mr Lu, who will be leaving for Beijing, said he was determined to work for closer bonds between his country and Ghana for the mutual benefit of both countries and that he was glad that his dedication was appreciated.

The career diplomat, who started his profession in 1971, said he loved Ghana, which he considers a peaceful and stable place with very nice, friendly and hard working people. He said the country has a bright future with the kind of leadership being offered by the administration of President Kufuor. Mr Lu's wife, some embassy staff and members of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce witnessed the ceremony. 18 Aug. 03