- A Major Sign Of What Is To Come

Captain Kojo Tsikata, former Head of National Security and PNDC Member with responsibility for Foreign Affairs is in the Venezuelan capital Caracas as leader of a Government delegation.

During its stay in Caracas, the delegation will conclude three important agreements to establish and expand cooperation between Ghana and Venezuela.

The agreements will cover areas such as technical, economic and political cooperation with particular emphasis on education, culture and crude oil. Venezuela is already providing scholarships for the training of Ghanaians in petro chemical engineering, petroleum accounting and medicine.

It has also adopted a school in the Volta region and there are elaborate plans to turn it into a model school. Captain Tsikata is expected to deliver an invitation to President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela to visit Ghana on a state visit at his convenience.

It is widely expected that President Chavez will show up in Ghana around May 25 to participate in the celebration of the centenary of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah first President of Ghana. Venezuela recognizes Nkrumah as Founder of the Republic of Ghana and the leader of the decolonization movement in Africa South of the Sahara. President Chavez has paid glowing tribute to Osagyefo who he respects a great deal.

The choice of Captain Tsikata as leader of the delegation is very significant given his very warm relations with Latin American leaders in Nicaragua, Cuba, Venezuela, Brazil and Bolivia.

In recognition of Captain Tsikata’s contribution to the anti imperialist struggle, Comrade Fidel Castro conferred “The Order of Manuel de Cespedes” one of the highest decorations in Cuba on him.

On January 5, 2001, Ghana also gave him “The Solidarity Award”. He has also been the recipient of many awards from socialist and progressive governments and organizations across the world.

The visit of Captain Tsikata to Venezuela is obviously a healthy sign that relations between the two countries are just about to move to higher never and more beneficial levels.