From: Kwaku Osei Bonsu, GNA Special Correspondent; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) Oct 12, GNA - Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, has reminded African leaders to show the needed political will and commitment towards building strong trade and economic ties among countries on the Continent.

This he said, was important "for our own development because we cannot simply rely on foreign donor support to create wealth and lift ourselves from poverty.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu gave the reminder when he paid a courtesy call on President Girma Woldegiogis of Ethiopia at his office in Addis Ababa on Monday.

The Asantehene is in the country to participate in the Fourth African Development Forum (ADF IV), which is being held under the auspices of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), the African Development Bank (AFDB) and the African Union (AU).

He would be delivering a keynote address on "Traditional Systems of Governance and the Modern State" at the five-days forum that would discuss effective plans for promoting good governance practices in African countries.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu said it was time African leaders gave practical meaning to South-South Co-operation and stopped as he put it "looking outside for money".

The Asantehene cited information Communication Technology (ICT) as one area the Federal Republic of Ethiopia and Ghana for example could cooperate for their mutual benefits.

President Woldegiorgis, who paid glowing tribute to Ghana's First President of Ghana, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah for his pioneering role in the promotion of African Unity, identified conflicts as the worst enemy of the Continent.

The Omanhene of Juaben, Nana Otuo Siribour II; Nana Kwame Akuoko Sarpong, Omanhene of Agogo and Mr J. E. Aggrey, Ghana Ambassador to Ethiopia accompanied the Asantehene.

They were taken round the Jubilee Palace where the Emperor Haile Salassie lived.

The Asanthene could not hide his admiration for Ethiopians for preserving their history.