Iran’s President Ahmadinejad arrives in Ghana amidst rousing welcome

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has arrived in Ghana on a maiden visit as part of a three nation African tour.

The two-day visit is the last leg of his African tour, which included Benin, Niger and Ghana. It is aimed at strengthening Ghana –Iran relations, which dates back to 1974.

President Ahmadinejad is expected to share with his Ghanaian counterpart, Iran’s experiences, especially in the oil and gas industry.

He arrived at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) on the Iranian presidential aircraft Iran Aseman, an airbus A340-200 and was welcomed by President John Dramani Mahama, amidst pomp and pageantry.

A cultural troupe drummed and danced to receive him. A contingent from the Ghana Armed Forces also mounted a parade to welcome the Iranian guest.

Scores of supporters and members of the ruling National Democratic Congress and the Muslim community also thronged the KIA to meet President Ahmadinejad, some clad in the traditional Muslim garb while others were in T-shirts with Ghana-Iran inscribed on them.

Member of the Iranian community in Ghana, with their wives and children were also present at the airport.

After inspecting the parade on arrival, President Ahmadinejad shook hands with the dignitaries who had gathered to welcome him, including some members of the diplomatic corps, Ms Hannah Tetteh, Minister of Foreign Affairs, representatives from the Iranian Embassy and security personnel.

He also went round to greet the scores of people who had gathered to meet him, even stopping to chat with some of the Iranian children.

President Ahmadinejad and his entourage, including his wife, are expected to hold series of meetings with President Mahama and other personalities on Wednesday.

Source: GNA