Accra, Dec.23, GNA- Africans in the Diaspora have been asked to study the numerous afflictions imposed on blacks by the slave trade and the cultural heritage of Africa, to be able to be good ambassadors of the Continent.

Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama who made the suggestion said this was the only way they could market Africa to the outside world and gain considerable insight into their roots.

The Vice President was speaking during a meeting with a six-member delegation from the US-based Diaspora Africa Forum at the Castle Osu. Vice President Mahama described the visit as timely and called for more of such interactions between the group and their Ghanaian counterpart to deepen bilateral relations.

Dr Erieka Bennet, Leader of the group, also known as "Junior Ambassadors", said the visit was meant to provide the vital linkage to facilitate the return of Africans in the Diaspora to Africa. In a related event the Vice President had hosted an annual end of year get-together for the staff of the Christianborg Castle during which some dedicated staff at the seat of Government as well as those retiring from active service were honoured.

The over 20 beneficiaries included Ms Emelia Dwomoh, a Typist Grade Two who was retiring after serving at the Castle for 41 years. She received a deep freezer and an ice chest as her prize. Mr Kwame Mpiani, the Chief of Staff and Minster of Presidential Affairs complained about the leakage of confidential reports from the citadel of political authority and warned that who ever was caught engaged in the criminal act would be prosecuted.

He congratulated the hardworking staffers and urged them to go the extra mile to consolidate the gains made so far next year.