Accra, June 1, GNA - Students from the University of Akron, Ohio in the US on Tuesday acclaimed the ability of Ghanaians to preserve their traditional lifestyles and the proverbial "Ghanaian Hospitality". The students, who are on a two-week study tour, lauded efforts to preserve the country's landmarks that had been a source of education for people from the Diaspora.

Mr Jon O'neal, a Student Journalist, described the culture of Ghana as "free flowing and down to earth", after he and his four colleagues had toured historical sites in the Western, Ashanti and Central Regions and interacted with the people.

"The culture is wonderful, especially the smiles," Mr O'neal said during a visit to the Head Office of the Ghana News Agency in Accra as part of the tour.

Miss Monique Rogers described Ghanaian culture as creative, colourful and rich, and contrary to the way the Media portrayed it in the US.

However, Miss Jgole Uakron expressed surprise about the number of domestic animals loitering in the communities they visited. She had expected to see them in pens.

Miss April Friges also expressed concern about reckless driving and overloading of passengers.

Professor Emeka Ofobike, Associate Professor at the University and Leader of the Team, described their tour as an innovative means of bridging two cultures.

"That is how it should be in the global world," he explained. Prof. Ofobike said interaction among the students and their peers in Ghana had been a very useful experience.

Mr Boakye-Dankwa Boadi, a Chief Editor and Head of the Home Desk at the GNA, briefed the students on the operations of the Agency saying GNA had 64 media subscribers mainly in the Print, Radio and Television and On-Line Service.

Mr Boadi said the Editorial Policy of the Agency revolved around the promotion of national cohesion; overall national development and the projection of the African Personality. 1 June 04