President off to Japan

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo left Accra yesterday for Japan on a three-day official visit.

The purpose of the visit, which is at the invitation of the Japanese Prime Minister, Mr  Shinzō Abe, is to deepen further the already strong relations that exist between the two countries.

The visit is also intended for the two leaders to explore areas of further co-operation between the two countries for their mutual benefit.

An official communication from the Jubilee House in Accra yesterday said while in Japan, President Akufo-Addo would pay a courtesy call on the Emperor of Japan, His Majesty Akihito.

He will also hold meetings with chief executive officers of some key Japanese companies and attend a joint Ghana Investment Promotion Centre/Japan External Trade Organisation business seminar.

Additionally, the President is scheduled to interact with the Ghanaian community in Japan.

He was accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Ms Shirley Ayorkor Botchway; a Deputy Minister of Finance, Charles Adu Boahen, and officials from the Presidency and the Foreign Ministry.

The President will return to Ghana on Friday, December 14, 2018.

In his absence, the Vice President, Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, shall, in accordance with Article 60(8) of the Constitution, act in his stead.