Cuban trained graduates (The ESBECAN), have expressed their appreciation to Former President Jerry John Rawlings for the opportunity given to them to study in Cuba some 33 years ago to help contribute to the country's development.

The ESBECAN made the commendation, during a courtesy call on the Former Head of State in Accra.

The Association, included graduates of the 1983, 1986, 1987, 1988 and 1989 year groups, who benefited from the Cuban scholarship project.

They presented a photograph and a citation to the former president which read: “With the foresight of a chess player and in pursuance of one of the charms of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, after whom you named our Great school, ESBEC No. 22on the isle of youth on Cuba.

“You envisioned the human resource needs of our motherland, many years down the lane and made strategic move, very few could comprehend back then.

“The courageous decision you made back in August 1983, to send hundreds of brilliant needy Ghanaian students to Cuba on scholarship over the years even in the midst of the harshest of criticisms from your detractors both home and abroad remains one of our greatest achievements and indeed and enduring legacy of your tenure as Head of State and president of the Republic of Ghana.”

Former President Rawlings told the graduates to continue the good work and keep utilising what they had learnt to uplift the nation as they had all wished for.

He said wherever they find themselves they should always remember the effort that was put in to get them there.

Mrs Nana Agyemang Rawlings, Former First Lady urged them to hold visible media programmes for the entire nation to know them better.

Addressing the media, President of the Association, Mr Asafo Agyei said members are grateful for the opportunity they had to be imbibed with certain principles and knowledge, which they are applying now.

He said most deprived areas are manned by Cuban trained health practitioners who are working hard to bring out their best in whatever they do.