My heart bled for Ghana, for I know what a tragic setback it would be Dr Kofi Busia, Prime Minister

Dr Busia has been accused of economic mismanagement and arbitrary arrest - both characteristics of the former Nkrumah regime which was ousted by an army coup in 1966.

Ghana has suffered economically from the fall in the price of cocoa, one of its key exports, and there is high unemployment.

A massive devaluation of the currency just two weeks ago led to a sharp rise in food prices.

The prime minister left Ghana only two days ago to receive treatment in London for an eye condition. He heard news of the coup on the radio.

Dr Busia said"I know many Ghanaians would be stunned.

"My heart bled for Ghana, for I know what a tragic setback it would be for the country if the coup were to succeed. It would plunge Ghana into political and economic chaos."

But he had no doubt democracy would be restored: "I shall not let my supporters down. We shall continue the march of progress."

Dr Busia came to power in 1969 after his Progress Party won 105 out of 140 seats in a general election.

	E-mail this story to a friend