Accra, Sept. 2, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor left Accra on Wednesday for Lusaka, Zambia, to attend the burial and funeral rites of Zambian President, Levy Patrick Mwanawasa, who died late last month in a hospital in France.

A release signed by Mr Andrew Awuni, Press Secretary to the President and Presidential Spokesman, said a in message of condolence sent to the people of Zambia, President Kufuor described the late President Mwanawasa as a man of exceptional leadership qualities which he displayed during his presidency.

President Kufuor added that his total commitment to the ideals of democracy in Africa and his vision for the continent placed him in the category of an outstanding African leader of our time. He added that African leaders will forever miss his consummate sense of judgment and dedication to the economic, social and political progress of his nation and the continent.

The late President was in attendance at the recent AU Summit held in Sham El-Sheikh in June when he was rushed to the hospital for medical attention. Unfortunately, he lost the battle to stroke and died. He is survived by his wife, Maureen, and six children. President Kufuor was accompanied by senior government officials and will return on Wednesday, September 3, 2008.