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Asantehene holds durbar for Malian President in Kumasi
Kumasi, April 19, Ghanadot/GNA- The
Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, on Friday, organized a
durbar at the Manhyia palace in Kumasi to welcome the Malian
President Amadou Tourmani Toure, who is on a three day state
visit to Ghana.
Accompanied by President John Agyekum Kufuor, Mr Toure was
greeted with cheers from the crowd and sounds of Fontomfrom
on arrival at the durbar grounds, which was attended by
chiefs, Ministers of State, Members of Parliament and
Diplomats.
The occasion was also used to sign a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) on economic cooperation and cultural
exchange to enhance the cordial relations between the people
of Kumasi City and Mopti of Mali.
Mr Emmanuel Asamoah Owusu-Ansah, Ashanti Regional Minister
signed on behalf of Madam Patricia Appiagyei, Chief
Executive of the Kumasi Metropolis while Mr Mahmoud Ben
Labrat, the Malian Ambassador, signed for the Mayor of Mopti.
Addressing the durbar, President Toure noted the improved
relations between Ghana and Mali stressing that the long
historical and commercial trade relation between Ghana and
Mali was growing from strength to strength.
He said he was happy to be in Kumasi to greet the Asantehene
and the good people of Kumasi, the town where he grew up in,
and hoped that the human and commercial activities between
Ghana and Mali would continue to improve.
President Toure wished the Asantehene and President Kufuor
as well as the people of Ghana, success.
The Asantehene in an address read on his behalf by Oheneba
Adusei Poku, the Akyempemhene of Kumasi commended the Malian
President for his efforts to promote democracy in his
country.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II called on Malians in the region to
endeavour to construct warehouses at the Boankra inland port
to promote trade in the sub-region.
He also said efforts should be made by the West African Head
of States to ensure effective business activities among the
people of West Africa, adding that, language or
administrative barriers should not be a hindrance.
GNA
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