President Weah in Ghana - Asks for support for Liberia’s development

The President of Liberia, Mr George Manneh Weah, yesterday began a two-day official visit to Ghana, with a passionate appeal to Ghanaians, under the leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, to help his country to progress and succeed.

After he had been received at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra by a welcoming party, led by Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia, the Liberian leader paid a courtesy call on President Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House, during which he said: “I am young, I agree, but you are my big brother, and I know that you will help Liberia to succeed.”

 Vice-President Bawumia welcoming President George Weah to Ghana

The purpose of the visit, in the words of President Weah, was to “renew the bonds of friendship and solidarity that there are between the Liberian and Ghanaian people.”

“Liberia came a long way, and without Ghana we will not be standing here today. Ghana hosted us, today we can never repay, we just have to make sure that our people continue to relate cordially, and I can assure you that the relationship that has existed between our governments will also be mutually beneficial,’’ President Weah said.

 Vice-President Bawumia and President George Weah responding to cheers from some Liberians at the airport

Expressing his appreciation to President Akufo-Addo for the role he had played in strengthening the African Union (AU), the Liberian leader said: “When we travel to AU meetings, like we did the last time in Addis Ababa, you realise that when a big brother speaks, you look and listen to him and you know what is to be done.”

He pledged to work towards strengthening the existing relationship between Ghana and Liberia, saying, “Ghana is my home, and we are here not to just come sight-seeing but to reassure you that the relationship we have will be sustained and strengthened.”

 Vice-President Bawumia with President George Weah (left) when he touched down at the Kotoka International Airport. Picture: SAMUEL TEI ADANO

Commendation

President Akufo-Addo welcoming his Liberian counterpart to the Jubilee House. Pictures: SAMUEL TEI ADANO

For his part, President Akufo-Addo called for a closer collaboration between Ghana and Liberia with the view to enhancing economic and democratic relations between the two countries.

Recounting the long-standing relations between the two countries since independence, the President said the time had come for that relation to be bolstered and taken to a new level.

President Akufo-Addo was full of praise for President Weah for his victory which, he said, had been born out of persistence and the determination to succeed.
The President said Mr Weah had begun his administration on a good note, adding, “The whole world is excited about your coming and has great expectations of you to bring progress to the Liberian people.”

He, therefore, urged him to be resolute and remain committed to building a strong country. He commended his recent address on the State of Liberia, which was very reassuring and pointed to a leader who had his country at heart.

Writer’s email: victor.kwawukume@graphic.
com.gh