13 December 2006
The Ghanaian President received a tumultuous welcome at Gao, one of the ancient cities with long traditional ties to Ghana by President Amadoo Tuomani Toure of Mali when he arrived in Mali. Citizens of Gao have been in Ghana particularly Kumasi for many years trading in all sorts of commodities from dried fish to salt and make up a significant community in Ghana.
The President interacted with a number of people of Gao who spoke fluent Twi due to their long ties with Ghana. Some of them even indicated that they knew him personally and his home in Kumasi. Most Malian citizens resident in Kumasi live around Akwatia Line, Asawase, Sabon Zongo, Alaba and other areas fringing Manhyia.
President Toure accompanied President Kufuor on a state ride and toured some historic sites like the Tomb of Askia, one of the greatest emperors of Mali. He was presented with a gift of camel as a sign of great friendship between them.
President Kufuor also visited the City of Mopti, which is the commercial capital of Mali, known for its fishing industry. He was treated to a regatta by local fishermen on the great River Niger where he presented the first winning prize. Just as there is a thriving community of Malians in Ghana, so are there many Ghanaians in Mali, a lot of whom turned out to cheer their president.
President Kufuor arrived home yesterday.
Story: Ernest Kofi Nsiah Youngman
President's Archivist
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