Italian President ends visit to Ghana

Mr. Giorgio Napolitano, the President of Italy has completed a three day visit to Ghana.

During his visit, he met President John Kufuor at the Osu Castle. They highlighted the bonds between Ghana and Italy and past cooperation such as the building of the Akosombo Hydroelectric Dam and AGIP's involvement in Ghana's petroleum business.

Napolitano also visited the Parliament of Ghana, where he paid a courtesy call on the Speaker, Ebenezer Sekyi-Hughes. Napolitano said the European Union had a role to play in the integration of Africa. Sekyi-Hughes was pleased that the Italian president had shown confidence in Ghana's parliament and its young democracy.

Later, he visited the Kwame Nkrumah mausoleum in Accra and inspected work on the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium where Italian workers are engaged in construction work to prepare the stadium for the 2008 African Cup of Nations tournament.

The next day, he visited the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre near Accra. Ghana and Italy affirmed their commitment to the training of civilian personnel attached to various peacekeeping missions. While there, he said "Italy appreciates the level of troop contribution to and for works done by Ghana's contingents to peacekeeping operations worldwide". He continued, "We are pleased with your sense of mission and the high level of professionalism being exhibited by your troops on peace missions, and we would continue to support you in your role".

He was the guest of honour at a state banquet held before his departure.