Cuba honours Capt. Kojo Tsikata (rtd)

Cuba on Thursday conferred one of its highest honours-- "The Solidarity Award" -- on Captain Kojo Tsikata (RTD), former Member of the Council of State, for his dedication to the liberation struggle of the African continent.

The Cuban Ambassador Mr Jose Perel Novoa, who presented the award in Accra, described Capt. Tsikata as "a man whose life has been characterised by international solidarity.

"You have been and are a man whose life has been characterised by international solidarity and many a country can speak about your dedication and willingness to contribute to a just and dignified life for the people.

"You are a man who has dedicated his life to the struggle for national liberation of the people of Africa and other parts of the world," a citation accompanying the award said.

In accepting the honour, Capt. Tsikata said Ghana and Cuba share cultural and historic bonds that have been deepened by "Cuban martyrs for the liberation of Africa.

"It is with these sentiments that I receive this award, and to share it with African martyrs, especially the young ones who laid down their lives for the liberation struggle of Africa," he added.

He praised the role of Cuban leader Fidel Castro, as an example of the struggle of third world countries to maintain their independence and sovereignty. Capt. Tsikata was awarded one of Cuba's highest decorations "The Order Of Carlos Manuel De Cespedes" in 1995.