From: Patrick A. Firempong, GNA Special Correspondent, Malabo.

Malabo, May 31, GNA- Ghana and Equatorial Guinea on Monday condemned without any reservations the phenomenon of mercenary activities in Africa as a new form of international terrorism.

They therefore, called for an international action on the phenomenon within the framework of the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN) to halt such activities.

The condemnation was made in a 15-point Joint Communique issued in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea at the end of a three-day State visit by Ghana's President John Agyekum Kufuor on a reciprocal invitation by the host, President Obieng Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea. Issues discussed during the visit bordered on bilateral relations, socio-economic development of both countries and the reactivation and implementation of decisions taken by a Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation.

Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom, Minister of Energy signed on behalf of Ghana, while Mr Pastor Micha Ondo, Foreign Minister of Equatorial Guinea signed on behalf of his country and witnessed by the two Presidents.

Both countries agreed on the need to solve through peaceful means the candescent current situation of conflicts that affect the Continent and contended that the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) could be an effective instrument that would contribute to the prevention and conflicts resolutions for the preservation of peace, security and stability on the Continent.

They called upon Member States of the AU to put at the disposal of such bodies the means that would allow the execution of these objectives. The Communique stressed the need for African countries to continue with their efforts at democratisation as well as the promotion of joint industrial projects that would contribute to the social, cultural and economic development of their countries.

On economic relations, the Communique said, while Ghana expressed the desire to acquire crude oil from Equatorial Guinea on a concessionary price and through an annual purchase and sale contract, Equatorial Guinea accepted the request but required an economic study on the issue that would include refining crude oil in Ghana for them.

It was agreed that the reactivated second meeting of the Joint Commission would be held in Malabo on July 20-22, this year.

The Communique said on education, it was agreed that Equatorial Guinea would have her human resources trained, especially in the second and tertiary institutions in Ghana as well as the exchange of agricultural experience and training of human resources in that sector as well. 31 May 04