Accra, Nov. 11, GNA - International Reggae Icon, Jimmy Cliff, arrived in Accra Thursday morning for a brief visit to Ghana.

He was accompanied by Mr. George Ntim, President of the African Development Foundation, a non-governmental organisation.

Speaking to journalists on arrival at the Kotoka International Airport, Mr. Cliff said he was on his way to Sierra Leone to attend the ECOWAS Peace Pageant.

The reggae icon said that he could not resist the urge to stop for a brief period in Ghana where he described as his home adding "It is a great pleasure to be back in Ghana".

Commenting on the music industry in present times, Mr Cliff said "the music of today is expressing the spirit of the people of today." He said he believed it was the duty of artistes to encourage both the present as well as future generations to have a positive attitude and strive for what was good, amidst the challenges of life.

"Although there may be many disagreements, artistes should point out agreeable ways to people," said Mr. Cliff.

He described Ghana as a "leader in Africa," and said apart from standing out as a pioneer in gaining independence from colonial rule, the country also stood out as an icon of democracy and good governance, as well as in the rule of law and stability.

The reggae icon said he believed the time had come for Africa to look inward for solutions to her problems, rather than to look outside the continent for help.

Mr Cliff said African unity was attainable but this could only be possible if Africans appreciated themselves for who they were and acquired knowledge to be able to appreciate the need for unity and progress on the continent.

Mr Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa, Deputy Minister for Information, who met Mr Cliff at the airport, said the "good reggae music" of Mr Cliff had brought a lot of unity and hope all over the world.

The Deputy Minister said "We are particularly happy about the inspiration you generate in people through your songs all over the world". Mr Ablakwa congratulated the reggae icon for being called into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for the year 2010 adding, "We hope you continue to influence people, especially the youth with your inspiring songs".

The Peace Pageant in Sierra Leone comes off on Saturday November 13. Mr Cliff, initially known as James Chambers, was born on April 1 1948 and comes from Jamaica.

He has several albums to his credit since the early years of his career in the early 1960s.

Mr Cliff was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year and is the only living musician currently to hold The Order of Merit, the highest honor from the Jamaican government for good performance in the arts and sciences. 11 Nov. 10