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President John Dramani Mahama has congratulated President Barack Obama for his bold decision to rescind America’s designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism.

In an official letter to the US President last Thursday, President Mahama said he considered the decision "an important stage in the effort to normalise relations between the United States and Cuba."

He, therefore, urged the US Congress to support the President’s decision, as both countries moved to normalise relations.

President Obama’s intention to take Cuba off the list of terrorist countries follows his December 17, 2014 announcement restoring diplomatic relations with the South American country.

Cuba's assurance 

In his letter, President Mahama also noted Cuba’s assurances to America and the international community, which was necessary for the United States to arrive at the decision.

Mr Mahama expressed his confidence that having come this far, the United States and Cuba would remain resolute and committed to bringing the full process of normalisation of relations to a successful conclusion.

Ghana, which has been a firm supporter and campaigner for Cuba and for the release of the ‘Cuban 5’, joined the world to congratulate the USA and Cuba in December 2014 following the release of the five who had been held on charges of spying.

Cuba in reaction, also released an American national held in Havana.