President Akufo-Addo with Liberian President George Weah in Accra yesterday
Liberian President George Manneh Weah has arrived in the country for a two-day visit.
He was met on arrival at the Jubilee (VVIP) Lounge at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) by Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
The Liberian leader inspected a guard of honour amidst the 21-gun salute and cultural display.
President Oppong Weah and members of his delegation later paid a courtesy call on President Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House, where the two held a meeting behind closed door.
Later at a briefing, President Weah made a passionate appeal to his Ghanaian counterpart – whom he considered a senior brother and mentor – to help him and his government in their efforts to transform Libera’s economy.
He considered President Akufo-Addo and Ghana as a case study for the government and people of Liberia.
That, he explained, is premised on how Akufo-Addo went through struggles and rose to become president, as well as the measures he had put in place to turn around the fortunes of Ghana within a short period.
“You are my big brother and I hope that you will help Liberia to succeed,” he told his Ghanaian counterpart.
As a man who considers Ghana his second home, President Weah – one time world footballer of the year – said, “We are here not to just come and see you, but we came to reassure you that the relationship that we have will be sustained and more strengthened.
“Liberia has come a long way and without Ghana we will not be standing here today. We just have to continue to make sure that our people continue to marry, have children, move around our borders for them to be happy.”
President Akufo-Addo assured Liberia that Ghana would increase economic and democratic relations to bring prosperity to the peoples of both countries.
He also assured his colleague of his continued support and stressed the need to strengthen ties between the two countries.
“The whole world is excited about your coming and have great expectations of you to bring progress to the Liberian people,” he underscored.
By Charles Takyi-Boadu, Presidential Correspondent