Accra, Oct. 17, GNA- Vice President Aliu Mahama on Tuesday observed that peace and stability are the vital ingredients needed for the progress of Africa often besieged by conflicts.

Speaking during an interaction with the visiting former President of Botswana; Sir Quett Ketumile Joni Masire, at the Osu Castle, he said conflicts continued to be the bane of the Continent's progress. Vice President Alhaji Mahama said Botswana had been a shining example of good governance, peace and stability, and asked Sir Masire, whom he described as an Africa's Statesman, to help to spread these political virtues.

He said Ghana and Botswana had enjoyed fruitful relations, dating back to the 1950s when the Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, First president of Ghana, collaborated with the leaders of the South African State to fight against colonialism.

Vice President Alhaji Mahama said although the two countries had not established diplomatic links, bilateral relations had remained very warm.

Sir Quett, who is on a five-day official visit to the country, said since leaving office as President he had led a team to investigate the Rwanda genocide and was currently engaged in reconciliation efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Sir Quett would deliver a lecture at the University of Ghana, Legon, as part of his visit.

The lecture is under the auspices of the African President Centre for Archives Research Programme instituted by the University of Boston, US in 2003.

The programme brings together former democratically elected African Presidents, private sector experts, academicians and students to discuss various issues about Africa's development. 17 Oct. 06