Accra, Jan. 24, GNA - The homecoming of Ghana's top Diplomat and Immediate-Past Secretary-General of the United Nation's (UN), Busumuru Kofi Annan has set the tone for reconciliation on the country's acrimonious political front.

President John Agyekum Kufuor for the first time in six years was joined by Professor John Evans Atta-Mills, Presidential Candidate of the largest opposition political party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the leadership of the newly formed Democratic Freedom Party (DFP), represented by its Chairman, Alhaji Rahman Issaka, to formally welcome the Former UN Chief at the Castle, Osu, on Wednesday. Busumuru Annan obviously moved by this positive development said: "What has happened this morning is a sign of things to come. "The need for unity and joining hands is extremely important. We have to work together, work in partnership and pool our efforts to have the greatest impact."

Busumuru Annan, who completed his two five-year term as Secretary-General of the World Body on December 31, 2006, and plans to spend his retirement in Ghana, said he was serious about going into agriculture.

He noted that Africa was the only Continent, which had not gone through the green revolution and could not feed itself. "There used to be starvation in India and China. I would in the next phase of my life work with international actors and African leaders to take agriculture to a new level."

Busumuru Annan said through out his career as international diplomat; "I never forgot my roots. I was always proud of my Ghanaian roots. I thank you for the consistent support you gave me". He pointed out that as the UN Chief, he pushed hard for the protection of individual rights and freedom and said he was pleased that the Organisation has decided to build on the three pillars of peace and security, rule of law and development.

Without peace and security there could be no development and there could also not be peace and security without rule of law. President Kufuor said the coming together of the leadership of the different political parties augured well for the country's Golden Jubilee celebration noting that, it was an indication that "all sides agree we should live together as a united nation".

He said Busumuru Annan's return should soften the ground for people belonging to the various political parties to practise tolerance. "We need to reconcile genuinely and to hold together in the interest of mother Ghana."

President Kufuor lauded Busumuru Annan for his distinguished service at the UN, saying: "The entire country is so elated for the distinction you have achieved.

"This distinction reflects so well on our country. You are a role model for our youth. We all pride ourselves of your achievement." President Kufuor described the Former UN Chief's decision to spend his retirement home as a great decision.

Professor Mills said Ghana was welcoming a hero back home, who served the nation, Africa and the world with distinction. "You blazed the trail many of us have to follow. The whole country is proud of your achievement."

Busumuru Annan returned to Ghana with his Swedish wife, Nane, to a hero's welcome on Tuesday night aboard an Alitalia airliner.