Accra, April 8, GNA - Former President Jerry Rawlings left Accra on Wednesday for Johannesburg, South Africa, to attend a Conference of Former African Presidents, a statement issued by his office said on Thursday.

The statement said the conference was an annual event organised by the Boston University to bring together former heads of state of Africa to engage them in roundtable discussion of issues that affected Africa's development. Mr Victor Smith, the Special Aide of the former president, accompanied him.

The statement said former President Rawlings would proceed to Boston, US, for the second part of the conference. He is expected back in Accra on April 17.