April 23, Accra, GNA - The Vice President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, returned home this evening from South Africa where he participated in his first ever Ghana-South Africa Business and Investment Forum held in Midrand, South Africa from April 19 through 20, 2007.

During the forum, the Vice President delivered the key-note address which was based on improving trade relation between Ghana and South Africa, and planned towards the growth in the Ghanaian economy. The Vice President also touched on Ghana's Development Agenda and Investment Opportunities in the country.

Alhaji Aliu Mahama paid a courtesy call on Phuzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Deputy President of South Africa, during which they discussed bilateral issues.

The Vice President also met with a cross-section of the Ghanaian community in Pretoria during which he briefed them on measures taken by the government to tackle the energy situation in the country.

He was accompanied on trip by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Awash Osei Agyei, the Deputy Minister for Trade, Industries and Presidential Special Initiatives, Gifty Ohene-Konadu, and officials of the Vice President's Office,

Also on the trip were the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana Investment promotion Centre, the Free Zone Board and the Ghana Promotion Council.