Accra, June 5, GNA - Former President Jerry Rawlings left Accra on Saturday to join 19 other former Heads of State and government in Bamako, Mali for a symposium dubbed "The African Statesmen Initiative (ASI)".

The meeting will discuss political and economic challenges in Africa and share experiences on humanitarian and democratisation efforts across the continent.

A statement in Accra on Saturday said it was the intention of the organisers to encourage former Heads of State and Government to continue to play a constructive role in the democratisation efforts in Africa. Mr Victor Smith, Special Assistant, accompanied former President

Rawlings who would be away for five days.