Accra, Nov.3, GNA - Professor George Maxwell Richards, President of Trinidad and Tobago, on Monday said the system of traditional rule in Ghana had played a major role in the governance of the country. "I admire the unique system of traditional rule in this country and it has been at the forefront in strengthening local governance." Professor Richards said this when he led a delegation to pay a courtesy call on Nii Tackie Tawiah 111, Ga Mantse, in his palace in Accra as part of his four-day visit to the country.

He commended traditional rulers who have promoted education citing the Ga Mantse as an example.

"I feel at home because our two countries have deep cultural and historical links and ethnically come from the same stock. The cuisine of Ghana is similar to that of Trinidad and Tobago," he said. Nii Tackie Tawiah said Trinidad and Tobago and Ghana have common goals in terms of their political ambitions and the strong ties between them were a reflection of the pursuit of these common goals. "We are brothers in the common spiritual sense and we wish you can stay longer and learn more about our culture and enjoy Ghanaian hospitality," he said.

The delegation presented drinks, cash to King Tackie Tawiah and a plaque for his wife and he in turn presented a plaque bearing the epitaph of an elephant, which is the symbol of the Ga state, to President Richards.