Accra, Sept. 6, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor said on Thursday that Ghana and Nigeria must continue to work to deepen their historic ties through closer economic cooperation.

He therefore encouraged businessmen in the two nations to put their money into investments in each other's country.

Nigerian investors are at the moment leading the way with investments in the banking and service sectors in Ghana. President Kufuor was speaking when the out-going Nigerian High Commissioner, Dr Olatunji Kolapo called at the Castle to bid him farewell at the end of his three-year duty tour. President Kufuor said it was his expectation that the new Nigerian Government would continue to provide invaluable services to the West African sub-region and Africa in the same way as was done by its predecessor.

The Umaru Musah Yar'Dua-led Government, he noted, was already showing promise and there was every reason to expect that it would do well.

He also used the occasion to explain why he got on so well with former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, saying, he saw in him "a great man, a true West African and a true leader", who was always ready to extend a helping hand to other countries in the sub-region. Dr. Kolapo praised President Kufuor for his strong leadership that had led to great economic strides by the country and won international acclaim.

He also recalled the personal efforts and leadership President Kufuor provided during his tenure as Chairman of the sub-regional body, ECOWAS, in resolving conflicts that had bedevilled some West African countries and put them on the verge of failed states. "For this, Mr President, you deserve commendation," he added.