Mr. Kofi Annan, UN Secretary-General, commended Ghanaians for the smooth and peaceful change of government which is being admired all over the world.

He said there is goodwill from the international community to assist the government in its policies and programmes for democracy to triumph. Mr Annan made the commendation when he called on President John Agyekum Kufuor at the Castle in Accra.

He is on his way to attend the OAU Special Heads of State Conference on HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis in Abuja, Nigeria.

The UN Secretary-General said all UN agencies in the country are working extremely well with the government and, the IMF and World Bank are anxious to co-operate with it.

"I am extremely happy to be at home to extend my support and congratulate you on assumption of office and wish your government every success as you take on the path of development for the country."

President Kufuor said Ghana is proud of how the UN Secretariat has been modernised under his stewardship and the manner tension in many areas, which would have blown many countries apart, have been defused.

Alhaji Aliu Mahama, Vice President, said the first term of Mr Annan's tenure of office has been excellent and the world looks up to him during the second term to consolidate the efforts he has made.