Johannesburg - Draped in a graduation gown and holding his honorary doctorate from the University of Ghana, former president Nelson Mandela said on Wednesday he was honoured to receive an award from the university of a country that held a very special place among African nations.

"When we think of Ghana, we think of freedom for Africans, African self-determination, pride and dignity of African people.

"We think of Kwame Nkrumah and his deep love for the people and continent of Africa and his passionate believe that we are one people, despite national and geographic boarders that separate and seek to divide us."

Speaking at the graduation ceremony at his Houghton home, Mandela said the university played a pivotal role in nurturing the Ghanaian national spirit.

"Education has always been highly respected in the national life of Ghana and I am proud to be associated with this great institution."

Speaking on behalf of the delegation from the University of Ghana, chancellor Nana Wereico Amtem II said the institution was honoured to award a man of excellence such as Mandela.

Mandela promised to visit the university when he made a trip to Ghana in May.

He thanked the delegation "for travelling so far to honour an old man, retired and without office and power" and he promised to be "a worthy alumnus of a great institution".

After the graduation ceremony, Mandela met Miss South Africa Venessa Carrera for a private meeting.