Accra, March 7, GNA - A delegation of the Nkrumaist political tradition on Tuesday called on President John Agyekum Kufuor at the Castle, Osu, to formally inform him of the death of Mr Van Milno, the sole publisher of the literary works of Ghana's First President Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah.

He died in December, last year, and the Nkrumaists had planned to organise a special programme to honour his memory in March this year, the leader of the delegation, Mr Mike Eghan, said.

He said the late Milno arrived in the country as a Lecturer but later became Dr Nkrumah's publisher, publishing all the 14 books and four pamphlets he authored.

His wife, Madam June Milno also served as the First President's Research Officer and is still alive. The delegation appealed to President Kufuor for Ghana to acknowledge her on the occasion of the country's Golden Jubilee Celebration next year.

The delegation again brought to his attention what they said was the sad state of the first President's Secretary, Madam Erica Powell and pleaded for support for her upkeep.

Responding, President Kufuor said the Government identified with the message the delegation were carrying and said although they belonged to different political traditions it was important they should agree to disagree.

"We should go about our politics this way and should avoid seeing one another as enemies."

He said he had a great deal of respect for President Nkrumah, for his talent and pioneering role that put Ghana on the map of the world. He left behind some good legacies.

President Kufuor gave the assurance that Mrs Milno, who worked with Dr Nkrumah and helped him to effectively combine the demanding duties of the Head of State and prolific writing deserved to be appreciated for the part they played in Ghana's history. Also at the Castle was a delegation of the family of the late Mrs Peggy Appiah, wife of the Great Ghanaian Politician, Mr Joe Appiah. She died on February 11, 2006.

Mr Frank Boateng, the Spokesperson, informed President Kufuor that she would be laid in state on March 18 to be followed by burial service at the Wesley Methodist Cathedral in Kumasi, the next day. President Kufuor described her as an extraordinary woman, who came to the country during the turbulent days of Ghana's politics, saw her husband arrested and detained many times but chose to stay on. She came to love Ghana and was a Ghanaian. She contributed her bit to the country, he said, citing how she adapted to the culture and traditions of the people and her books on folklore.

President Kufuor said the Government would be there to help to give her a fitting burial. 07 March 06