World leaders on Tuesday sent congratulatory messages to President John Agyekum Kufuor on Ghana's 44th Independence anniversary.

They came from presidents Johannes Rua of Germany, Dr Negaso Gidada of Ethiopia, Mr Vojislav Kostunica of Yugoslavia, Mr Jiang Zemin of China, Mr V. Putin of Russia, Colonel Muammar Al-Qadafi of Libya and Queen Elizabeth of Britain.

Queen Elizabeth sent her warmest greetings and best wishes for the good fortune and happiness of Ghanaians.

President Putin expressed the confidence that the traditional relationships of friendship and mutual understanding between Russia and Ghana will continue to develop successfully for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries in the interests of peace and international co-operation.

The government of Canada said: "We will continue to work actively with Ghana and the new administration to capitalise on the momentum achieved in our bilateral relationship to date as well as promote our collaborative activities in multilateral fora".

President Jiang Zemin of China said his country is pleased to notice that the government and people of Ghana are actively safeguarding national unity and revamping the national economy "and has so far made an initial achievement".

President Castro noted that "upon ratifying our willingness to continue working for the strengthening of the friendly bonds and co-operation uniting our two peoples and countries, I express my best wishes for the well being of the dear Ghanaian people and your personal happiness".

President Kostunica's message read: "I am convinced that the friendly relations and co-operation between the two countries will continue to be developed in the mutual interest of our peoples". The other world leaders also conveyed messages of hope, strengthening of the existing bond of relationships, and a wish for success ahead.

They assured the government and people of Ghana of continued support for the development of the country and its democratic institutions.