His royal Highness Willem -Alexander, the crown Prince of the Netherlands and his wife, Her Royal Highness Princess Maxima, who are in the country on a four-day official visit, on Monday undertook a walking tour of some historical sites at Elmina.

The visit of the Royal couple, among other dignitaries accompanied by the wife of the Vice -President, Hajia Rhamatu Mahama, Senior Minister, Mr J. H. Mensah and the Minister for Information and Presidential Affairs, Mr Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey to the town

It was to cement diplomatic relations between the people of Elmina and the Netherlands, which dates back 300 years. The couple was given a rousing welcome by school children that had lined the streets waving miniature Ghanaian and Netherlands flags and some older residents when they arrived at around 15.30 hours.

The walking tour took them through some of the principal streets and the 'Mpoben' landing beach, where His Royal Highness interacted with a fisherman mending his net, the Dutch cemetery and the Elmina Castle.

The couple was later in the evening, treated to a musical concert at the castle. His Royal Highness, had earlier address the opening of the 'Elmina Town Consultation forum', to evolve a strategy towards the implementation of the 'Elmina Cultural Heritage and Management Programme,' at the castle.

The Programme, a joint initiative of the Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS) in the Netherlands and some local institutions, is aimed at ensuring the integrated development of the resources of the area including its tourists attractions and other economic activities like the fishing industry, for accelerated development. Prince Willem recounted the start of diplomatic relations between his country and Elmina, which he said was marred by the slave trade and said, "we look back on the dark ages with remorse."

He underscored the importance of the programme, which he said "has its sights firmly on the future," stressing that the town has great potential not only in its salt and fishing industry, but also in tourism. Mr Mensah was happy about the level of participation in the forum, which involved traditional rulers and entrepreneurs, and assured them of the government's preparedness to help in the implementation.

Mr Isaac Edumadze, Central Regional Minister, Nana Ato Arthur, Komenda-Edina- Eguafo-Abrem District Chief Executive, and the paramount chief of the Edina traditional area, Nana Kodwo Conduah graced the occasion. The chiefs presented a number of gifts to the couple.