Cape Coast, July 4, GNA- The University of Cape Coast (UCC), on Wednesday conferred a honourary Doctorate of Laws degree on President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa.

There was prolonged applause at the auditorium of the University when the degree was conferred on President Thabo Mbeki, who was accompanied by Ghana's President, Mr John Agyekum Kufuor. The presentation was preceded by a lengthy and impressive citation extolling the qualities of Mr Mbeki as a distinguished statesman and role model, both in his country and on the continent.

The citation, which was read by the UCC's Dean of Science, Professor Mansa Prah, among others, recounted Mr Mbeki's contributions to the development of the African National Congress (ANC) from the time he was a student, and of his contributions to the development of his country and of the continent and of global peace, since he assumed the Presidency of his country.

It said, "Before and since particularly assuming the prestigious office of the presidency, you have through prudent management and implementation of bold policies, championed the rapid social and economic transformation of the Republic of South Africa". "In the light of your pragmatic and dynamic leadership, your incontrovertibly selfless statesmanship, your unalloyed quest for socio-economic emancipation and empowerment of humanity; your unquenchable zeal for African unity and your creditable contribution towards global peace.

It further said, "as a concrete manifestation of your exemplary leadership and vision, you put forward the New Partnership for African Development that has been acknowledged as the single most important roadmap for delivering the hopes and aspirations of the continent" The citation described him, among others as, a freedom fighter, Pan-Africanist, patriot, and role model and that the UCC "salutes you for your distinguished service to humanity to Africa and the world at large".

In his address, the Chancellor of the UCC Dr (Sir) Sam Jonah said the University has a tradition of honouring personalities who have been of exemplary service to Africa.

The UCC Chancellor described President Mbeki's speeches as inspiring for the continent, and cited in particular his now very famous speech "I am an African", which he said bore similarities with the speech given by Ghana's first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah on the day Ghana became independent, and which mainly, dwelt on the importance of African unity.

President Mbeki, among others, already has honorary doctorate degrees conferred on him by the Rand Afrikaans University and the Glasgow Caledonian University.