President John Agyekum Kufuor is expected to deliver a speech at a major conference on local democracy in Aberdeen in March.

It's not yet known if Kufuor has already accepted the invitation.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu will give the keynote speech at what is refered to as the "Commonwealth Local Government Conference".

The South African clergyman will speak on the subject of "a democratic and just society without racial divisions".

Archbishop Tutu was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his role in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa.

He will deliver his speech during the closing session of the conference, which has the theme of deepening local democracy.

Other speakers will include Scotland's First Minister Jack McConnell and Commonwealth Secretary General Don McKinnon.

Commonwealth Local Government Forum chairman Len Duvall said: "I am delighted that we will be welcoming Archbishop Tutu to the conference.

"His experience in promoting democracy and reconciliation and working with people at a local level to forge democracy and development will be a very valuable contribution."

Aberdeen City Council's leader, Kate Dean, said: "We are delighted to have been given the opportunity to host this prestigious event in Aberdeen and we look forward to welcoming delegates and speakers from throughout the Commonwealth.

"It is particularly apt that we play host at a time when we in the city continue to make major steps in the strengthening of local democracy."

Aberdeen beat competition from Birmingham and Coffs Harbour in Australia to host the event.

The conference agenda has been rewritten to emphasise the need for long-term reconstruction following the Asian tsunami.