President John Mahama on Thursday laid a wreath at the tomb of Zambia’s Founding President, Dr Kenneth Kaunda, in honour of his enduring legacy and contribution to Africa’s liberation struggle.

The solemn ceremony took place at the Embassy Park in Lusaka, where Dr Kaunda is interred.

President Mahama, accompanied by his wife, First Lady Lordina Mahama, is on a three-day visit to Zambia at the invitation of his Zambian counterpart, President Hakainde Hichilema.

After laying the wreath, President Mahama signed the VIP Visitors Book at the mausoleum of Zambia’s first President.

In a message, President Mahama congratulated the people of Zambia on the occasion of his visit to what he described as the nation’s sacred burial grounds.

“With much respect, I honour the memories of these past leaders, especially President Kenneth Kaunda, who was a great friend and comrade of President Kwame Nkrumah, our first President,” he wrote.

President Mahama said the bond between Dr Kwame Nkrumah and Dr Kenneth Kaunda continues to serve as a bridge between Ghana and Zambia.

“This visit inspires me to work tirelessly with President Hichilema for the benefit and prosperity of our two peoples,” President Mahama added.

Kenneth Kaunda (born April 28, 1924, Lubwa, near Chinsali, Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) – died June 17, 2021, Lusaka, Zambia) was a politician who led Zambia to independence in 1964 and served as that country’s president until 1991.