Accra, June 7, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor on Monday described the late US President Ronald Reagan as a distinguished world leader. In a brief remarks after signing a Book of Condolence in his memory at the US Embassy in Accra on Monday, President Kufuor said: " President Reagan was a distinguished leader and we are here to pay our respect to him."

The US Ambassador in Ghana, Mrs Mary Carlin Yates, said: "It is an honour for us that you took time off your busy schedule to mourn with the Government and people of the US."

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, who accompanied President Kufuor, also signed the book.

Former US President Reagan died last Saturday at the age of 93 after suffering from Alzheimer's disease for a decade. Reagan, whose health had deteriorated over the past few days, died at his home in California.

He served as the 40th US President from 1981 to 1989 and was the longest-surviving US President.

The movie-star-turned President disclosed his disease in a letter to the nation in November 1994.

He said he was suffering from the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, a degenerative brain disorder that leads to mental disorientation and physical decline.