Accra, May 1, GHP - The Japanese Prime minister, Juncichiro Koizumi arrived in Accra on Monday to begin a state visit to Ghana. Koizumi and his entourage were greeted at the airport in Accra by President John Kufuor and the two men are due to hold talks Tuesday.

In a statement in Tokyo the Ghanaian embassy said Japan was "currently updating" its aid programme for Ghana and the emphasis would be placed on rural and industrial development.

Prime Minister Koizumi maintains that the willingness to endure pain today for the sake of a better tomorrow is what is needed in today's world.

One of Prime Minister Koizumi's favourite maxims is: "If the people have no faith in their leaders, they cannot stand.