Accra, (Greater Accra) 1 March, ?99 --

President Jerry John Rawlings returned home Saturday, after a four-day official visit to the United States. He was accompanied by the First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, Madam Fati Jawula, a member of the Council of State, and Mr James Victor Gbeho, Minister of Foreign Affairs. Other members of the delegation were Dr John Abu, Minister of Trade, Mrs Cecilia Johnson, Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Victor Selormey, Deputy Minister of Finance, and Mr Kofi Attoh and Mr Kojo Armah, both Members of Parliament. Briefing newsmen on arrival, Mr Gbeho described the visit as successful and historical. Mr Gbeho said President Rawlings and his delegation had discussions with President Bill Clinton and his officials on a wide range of issues. President Clinton praised President Rawlings for his able leadership and for helping to maintain democratic governance in Ghana. President Clinton also praised Ghana for her peacekeeping role in the sub-region, namely in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau. Mr Gbeho said Ghana's delegation met with the U.S. Labour and Agricultural Secretary during which two agreements on trade and investment, including a seven million-dollar deal by an American firm to purchase GIHOC, were signed. He said other facilities like linking Ghanaian schools to their U.S. counterparts via the Internet would be set up.

Mr Gbeho said both leaders acknowledged the critical times in Africa and stressed the need to consolidate the gains made so far and to meet the challenges of the 21st century. He said the visit has greatly enhanced the already cordial relationship between the two countries. The presidential entourage was met on arrival by Vice- President John Atta Mills, ministers of state, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Peter Nanfuri, and some NDC supporters.