Accra, Aug 4, GNA - The National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Thursday expressed shock and grief at the death of His Majesty King Fahd of the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Monday, August 1, 2005. It said "His Majesty King Fahd distinguished himself not only as an enlightened Head of State of the Royal Kingdom but also as a true patriot, who helped to unify and empower his people in the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia".

A statement signed by Bedie Ziedeng, Acting General Secretary of the Party, said the gradual realisation of a modernized Saudi Arabia under Islam throughout the King's reign had made Saudi Arabia one of the most notable and well respected countries of Asia, the Middle East and the Arab World in general.

It said his efforts at making Saudi Arabia the secular symbol of Islamic faithfulness as well as his contribution towards poverty alleviation in Africa would always be acknowledged. The NDC said it "recalls with particular importance and gratitude the assistance that Ghana's previous government enjoyed from the Royal Kingdom under the late King, especially the provision of necessary and adequate resources to develop basic health facilities in the Upper West, Upper East and Northern Regions of Ghana."

The NDC expressed its gratefulness for the assistance given many Ghanaian Muslims to perform the Hajj and acknowledged that it was quite commendable that during the late King's administration an uncommon co-operation existed between the Royal Kingdom and Ghana.

"The NDC would like to extend its heartfelt condolences to His Majesty King Abdullah, the Royal Family and the Government and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at this time of their affliction and also expresses the hope that the Almighty Allah, the Merciful the Compassionate will grant them the strength and wisdom not only to bear the recent tragic loss but also to carry the good traditions established and invigorated by this great ruler of our time."