Accra, Feb. 16, GNA - Mr. Paul Boateng, Chief Secretary to the British Treasury, on Wednesday said transparency and accountability that had characterised governance in Ghana was a good testimony for Africa. He said Ghana had shown growth in many ways, including sound policies and the macro economic stability achieved by the Government.

Mr. Boateng made the observation when he paid a courtesy call on President John Agyekum Kufuor at the Castle, Osu.

He is on a two-day visit to Ghana as part of regional tour that would include Mali and Nigeria, to highlight international commitment to Africa as a key priority for the UK Presidency of the European Union (EU) and the G7/G8.

Mr Boateng, who participated in a meeting for the preparation of the 2005 Budget at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning said, "it is a rare honour for me to participate in the preparation of the 2005 Budget".

"The transparency and accountability that have characterised your government is a good testimony for Africa," he added. President Kufuor said: "You make us proud as representing something special in our relationship with Britain.

"You are working as a permanent representative of Ghana within the corridors of power in Britain."

This is Mr. Boateng's second visit to Ghana since he became the Chief Secretary to the Treasury in 2002.