Accra Greater Accra) 21st May 99 ?

Delegates attending the Fifth African African-American Summit on Thursday night mixed business with pleasure when they wined and dined at a state dinner hosted for them by President Jerry John Rawlings.

The delegates, from all corners of the globe, have been busy within the past four days going through the tall summit agenda, but turned out in their numbers at the Banquet Hall of the State House to cool off from the pressure of work.

The Hall was filled to capacity and the delegates, most of them clad in beautiful African prints, shook hands with each other, embraced and rubbed cheeks in an atmosphere of informality.

In a short address, President Rawlings said, "the gathering as Africans, African-Americans and friends of Africa underscores our determination to work towards the consolidation of Africa's prosperity and the restoration of her dignity''.

He said he was convinced that Africa could turn her fortunes around, but warned that there should be no illusions as to the hurdles that must be cleared.

"Nor should we delude ourselves into thinking that we have no detractors who may be determined to ensure that we fail in our enterprise so that Africa's riches may continue to enrich others to the exclusion of her own people".

President Rawlings said it is important that Africa lays emphasis on information technology.

"It is increasingly becoming clear that by sharing and through net-working of expertise in business, science and technology..... Africa's capacity to meet the challenges of an increasingly competitive world is growing''.

He said Summits provide Africa with the opportunity to demonstrate to African-Americans and other friends of Africa that ''we mean business and need their collaboration''.

"Let us therefore use this occasion to infuse more dynamism into the cultural and economic ties that bind us, so that we can overcome the remaining barriers to co-operation and progress'', the President said.