Queen welcomes Kufour on state visit

LONDON (AFP) - Queen Elizabeth II formally welcomed Ghanaian President John Kufuor to Britain on Tuesday on a state visit marking the 50th anniversary of Ghana's independence from its colonial ruler.

President Kufuor inspected troops in central London and was greeted by loud cheers as the party processed in bright sunshine along The Mall, the ceremonial route to Buckingham Palace, Queen Elizabeth's official residence.

Prime Minister Tony Blair, Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett, Home Secretary John Reid and police chief Ian Blair also greeted the President and his wife Theresa, who wore traditional costume in the red, yellow and green colours of Ghana's flag.