Accra, Jan. 16, GNA - The Convention People's Party (CPP) on Monday congratulated Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf who was sworn in on Monday and urged her to promote the interest of women not only in Liberia but also in Africa.

A statement signed by Dr Edmund Delle, Chairman and Leader of CPP, said Mrs Johnson-Sirleaf was aware that women in general, especially in African, were marginalized and were subjected to poverty, diseases, illiteracy and ignorance.

"As women all over the world especially in Africa witness this day they hope to see a tremendous change in the Continent as first woman stands to speak for them on global issues," the CPP said. "The CPP congratulates the People of Republic of Liberia and Mrs Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf as she swears the Oath of Allegiance as the 23rd President of Liberia and the first-ever African female Head of State in Liberia capital of Monrovia on Monday.

"We of the CPP are happy to witness this day, as it was the dream of the First President of Ghana Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah to see women being part of decision-making in governance of every Africa country. This was evidenced when he (Osagyefo) became the First African President to appoint a woman as a Minister of Social Welfare in Ghana." Several world leaders including President John Agyekum Kufuor and US First Lady Laura Bush witnessed Mrs Johnson-Sirleaf's investiture.