Carter lauds Ghana's economic achievements

Akosombo (E/R), Oct. 14, GNA - Former US President Jimmy Carter has lauded the Kufuor Administration for what he said, was the enormous economic progress that has singled out Ghana and its President for international acclaim.

He said it was no co-incidence that the US Discovery Channel has selected President John Agyekum Kufuor for a documentary on his life and achievements, something that is extraordinary.

He said this in remarks after President Kufuor had introduced him to members of his cabinet who are on a three-day retreat at Akosombo, discussing the 2006 budget and other issues both within and outside government.

The two leaders later met behind closed doors.

President Carter said Ghana had set standards politically and culturally adding, "We are proud with the relationship we enjoy with you and would continue to work with you".

He said they were eager to deepen their investments in the country. They now have projects that are benefiting about 75,000 families in Ghana.

He recalled the success story of a high protein maize production project they introduced in the country and said it has now been replicated in countries like North Korea and China.

The former US President said he was happy with the progress the country was making towards Guinea Worm eradication. The infection rate had reduced by 57 percent and was hopeful that by the time Ghana celebrates its 50th Independence Anniversary it would have gone down to zero percent.

He told the Ministers that he was in Liberia to observe the just ended Presidential and Congressional elections there and praised Ghana for its leadership both within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Africa.

He expressed satisfaction with the Liberian polls, saying, "It was successful and peaceful".

President Kufuor said the former US President was in the country to hold private discussions with him. It is the third time he was visiting.