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Liberia: Pres. Kufuor Receives Country's Highest Honour

24 November 2008

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The Government of Liberia has conferred upon Ghanaian President John Kufuor the nation's highest distinction.

The Most Venerable Order of the Knights of the Pioneers with the grade of Grand Cordon was conferred on the Ghanaian leader by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf at an investiture ceremony Saturday at the C. Cecil Dennis Auditorium in Monrovia, as part of programs marking a two-day state Visit to Liberia by President Kuffour.

An Executive Mansion release quoting a citation read by Liberia's Chief of Protocol, Mr. Eddie Dunn, says, the Government lauded the personal sacrifices of President Kufuor and the people of Ghana towards the restoration of peace in Liberia.

The Honor, Government said, was being bestowed on the Ghanaian leader as a mark of appreciation and in recognition of the sacrifices Ghana has made in bringing peace to Liberia.

The citation recounted the relentless role played by the Ghanaian leader and his country, spanning from the onset of the country's civil conflict when Ghana contributed troops under the command of the sub-regional military force, ECOMOG to restore peace to Liberia.

In a statement during the occasion, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf also paid tribute to the people of Ghana for "demonstrating true African solidarity and fraternity in leaving no stone unturned to restore peace to Liberia.

From Lieutenant General Arnold Quinoo, the first Field Commander of the ECOWAS Ceasefire Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), to the mediatory roles of Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas, then in the Foreign Ministry of Ghana, and later as Executive Secretary of ECOWAS, to Flt/Lt Jerry John Rawlings and the Akosombo Rounds of the talks, to Dr. Kofi Atta Anna as Secretary-General of the United Nations, to Ambassador Victor Gbeho, among many, Ghana was present and active everywhere the case of Liberia went," the President recalled.

The combined outcome of these efforts, the Liberian leader noted, has brought Liberia this far; enjoying peace and freedom in a democratic environment. "You are deserving of this honor because you merit and achieved it," the President pointed out.

"We are very proud that a true African solution to an African crisis was found in Liberia, using ECOWAS as model and vehicle. I am hopeful that both leaders and peoples of West Africa will apply all the tenets of respect for fundamental rights and good governance to avoid conflicts."

President Kufuor was the second Ghanaian statesman in recent memory to receive the nation's highest distinction. Former UN Secretary-general, Dr. Kofi Anna also received the distinction more than two years ago when he visited Liberia.

The Liberian President also paid special homage to the scores of Ghanaians who came to Liberia to keep peace, and in so doing, were martyred here, while others sustained permanent disability in the discharge of their duties. She also recognized the works of Ghanaian experts and technocrats who played key roles in the mediation and negotiation as well as post conflict reconstruction of Liberia.

President Johnson Sirleaf, later in a speech, extended wishes of peace and success as President Kufuor prepares to leave office following successful two-year tenure as President of Ghana. The President expressed the hope that the expertise of the Ghanaian leader will at all times be utilized in matters relating to fostering peace, democracy, human rights and integration in West Africa in particular and Africa in general.

Meanwhile, the Liberian President says the development of good neighborliness through cordial and friendly relations constitutes and remains a strong pillar in the foreign policy and relations of Liberia.

Speaking Saturday night on the grounds of the Executive Mansion during a state dinner tendered in honor of the visiting Ghanaian President, the President said, Liberia will endeavor to play a meaningful role in the promotion of peace in the country, the sub-region and the larger international community, as the country has been acclaimed to doing in the past.

Liberia, she said, is committed to seeing stronger integration in West Africa, "where political boundaries will disappear and where our people will develop a true sense of belonging; moving freely and living wherever they choose In short, it is time to speed the policy of integration, accelerate intra-regional trade and commerce, aimed at lifting the standard of living of our people while at the same time discouraging migration to Europe and other parts for better living conditions when we have abundant natural resources to empower our people economically and socially

" The Liberian leader also noted that, "In order to make the region attractive, we need proper management and equitable distribution of our natural resources to reduce, if not alleviate, poverty."

It is time, the President said that West Africa takes cue from the current economic downturn to begin preparing for the aftershock and ripple effects which will eventually come; cautioning that Africa can not afford to procrastinate as a consequence of civil war, instability, corruption and chronic dependence, "not to harness our wagons in moving our region in the direction of progress and development, which will eventually lead the basis for guaranteed peace and stability."

In a related development, the President has expressed appreciation to the government and people of Ghana for welcoming and sheltering Liberians over the years during the state of crisis in the country. The Chief Executive urged all Liberians still residing in Ghana to remain law-abiding and refrain from participating in the internal affairs of Ghana, including the upcoming elections.

President Kufuor, in response, thanked President Johnson Sirleaf and the people of Liberia for the honor bestowed upon him and his country.

The Ghanaian leader spoke of the long standing cordial ties between Liberia and Ghana over the years, and noted that the despite the ideological differences, the leaders laid the foundation for collaboration.

The Ghanaian leader praised Liberians for coming together and taking a courageous step for the future and urged all Liberians remain tolerant and patient as the nation embarks upon the challenging task of reconstruction. President Kufuor said he was impressed with the pace of progress taking place Liberia.

"I have seen radiance on the faces of people on the road," the Ghanaian leader observed, congratulating Liberians for agreeing to work together for the good of the country.

Great things to nations, he noted, come at a cost, appealing to Liberians from all backgrounds to stay the course of progress through national reconciliation and solidarity. President Kufuor warned against complacency, noting that that the road towards the rebuilding of the country requires the total commitment of all of its citizens.

The former ECOWAS chairman commended the Liberian President for the programs being adopted by the Liberian Government and urged the President to continue to remain focused on the path of good governance, reconciliation and political accommodation. He assured Liberia of Ghana's continued support towards the country's transformation.

Earlier, the two leaders held private talks, followed by a working session with a select number of Cabinet Ministers, and a Gowning ceremony performed by the Traditional Council of Chiefs and elders to honor President Kufuor.

During the discussions, the two leaders confirmed to the exchange of information among their respective institutions, building upon existing partnerships and expanding these to relevant sectors, thereby enhancing technical and economic cooperation.

Additionally, President Kufuor received conferral of Honorary Doctorate Degree in Humane Letters (L.HD) (Honoris Causa) in International Relations at a Special Convocation by the University of Liberia, and he was installed as a traditional ruler by Paramount Chiefs from all the 15 Counties of the country.

President Kuffour and party, at the invitation of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, arrived in Liberian Saturday for a two day State Visit.

The objective of the visit was to express the Liberian leader's appreciation to President Kufuor and the Ghana for the numerous contributions in bringing lasting peace to Liberia, as well as supporting the post-war reconstruction and development of the country.

President Kufuor and party left Liberia Sunday morning for home and are now back in Ghana.

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