Accra (Greater Accra) - President Jerry John Rawlings on Monday opened the 19th congress of the International Federation of Home Economics and said the principles of managing a home and a nation are the same.

"Governments and home economists are equally aware of the importance of careful budgeting, prudent use of available resources, thrift and innovation in providing the material needs of the people, in their care."

He said governments and home economists are also aware that there is more to the wellbeing of a nation or a household than the provision of basic material needs.

The maintenance of peace and orderliness, education, good health, the resolution of conflicts and other social dimensions are equally essential ingredients.

"The main difference between our concerns, therefore, is one of scale rather than content," the President said.

The six-day conference has brought together delegates from 41 countries to deliberate on issues relating to the "improvement in the quality of life of the individual and the family."

This is the first time the congress is being held in Africa in the 92-year history of the federation. The last congress was held in Bangkok, Thailand, in 1996.

President Rawlings welcomed the attention, which the congress intends to give to the development of human resources, the fostering of human rights and the role of the family.