President John Agyekum Kufuor on Tuesday received the outgoing Benin Ambassador and congratulated him for doing his best to bring Ghana closer to his country.

Mr Sedjro Theophile Houssinon is leaving after a four-year duty tour and is retiring from public service after 55 years. President Kufuor said he had known Mr Houssinon some years back and was always impressed about his 'naturalness', adding: "He has never missed the opportunity to declare his pride as an African".

Mr Kufuor also lauded Mr Houssinon for being "an-all-round" diplomat who mixed with all sections of the community, including the media and the academia. He congratulated the outgoing ambassador and presented him with a stool, saying: "Ghana will remember you".

Mr Houssinon said he enjoyed his stay in Ghana and expressed the belief that the country's future prospects are bright. "Ghana is dear to all Pan-Africanists," he said, and congratulated the nation for a successful election and a smooth transition.