Accra, Sept. 18, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor on Tuesday sent a congratulatory message to the newly sworn-in President of Sierra Leone, Mr Ernest Bai Koroma.

A release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the message noted in part, the sterling leadership qualities of President Koroma and expressed the strong hope that the tenure of the new President "will solidify the unity of the people of Sierra Leone and consolidate peace and security" in that country.

The message expressed optimism that the tenure of President Koroma would witness "The further strengthening of the traditional bonds of friendship and cooperation existing between Ghana and Sierra Leone". President Koroma was sworn into office as President of the Republic of Sierra Leone on Monday September 17, 2007, after having been formally declared winner of the presidential run-off by the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone.