Issued by: Office of the Presidency
9 January 2001
The Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Jacob Zuma, returned last night, 8 January 2001, from a highly successful and fruitful trip to the Republic of Ghana.
The Deputy President left for Ghana last Saturday to attend the inauguration of President John Kufuor.
During the visit, Deputy President Zuma met the key roleplayers in Ghana, President Kufuor, Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama and Former President JJ Rawlings.
During discussions with President Kufuor on Monday 8 January, the Deputy President congratulated him and the people of Ghana for the peaceful transition and handover of power.
He said this augurs well for the entrenchment of democracy on the African continent.
Giving his impressions of the transition, the Deputy President said:
"The Ghanaian transfer of power is a celebration of democracy in the Continent. It is further evidence that Africans can run their countries peacefully and efficiently."
President Kufuor and Deputy President Zuma agreed that all leaders in the Continent should become involved in the struggle to end conflicts in Africa, and President Kufuor expressed support for South African involvement in peace making initiatives.
Ghana is one of South Africa's major export partners in West Africa. Deputy President Zuma said the deepening of relations between Ghana and South Africa would be a priority for the Government.
For more information contact:
Lakela Kaunda,
Chief Director Communications on 082 782 2575.