Accra, May 17, GNA - Vice President John Evans Atta Mills on Wednesday signed a book of condolence in memory of former Japanese Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi, describing him as "an excellent statesman and good friend".

Obuchi, 62, died last Sunday of complications from stroke after about 20 months in office. Vice President Mills wrote: "Ghana and Japan have lost a good friend and an excellent statesman.

"The people of Ghana share the loss of the people of Japan. We genuinely mourn with our brothers and sisters in Japan. "May the Soul of our friend, brother and a colleague rest in perfect peace."

Japanese Embassy sources described the former Prime Minister as "a party machine politician, who proved to be a surprisingly effective leader." They said he would be best remembered for getting Japan's stagnant economy back on its feet after its worst recession in over 50 years.

"Obuchi was a man of awkward charm, who was initially dismissed by political observers as a party hack, who had all the flair of cold pizza, utterly lacking charisma and without a bold idea in his head, but he proved all wrong before dusk."

His main talent, according to the source, was his ability to forge consensus among the factions in his ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Also at the Japanese Embassy to express their condolences after the Vice President were the French Ambassador and the Malaysian High Commissioner.

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, United States President Bill Clinton and President Jerry Rawlings were among the first world leaders to have paid tribute to Prime Minister Obuchi.