WASHINGTON, Mar. 2 (Xinhua) -- World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz left on Friday for Ghana, the first African nation to celebrate 50 years of independence.

    Wolfowitz will also visit Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and later, South Africa.

    Wolfowitz's visit will highlight the progress being made in Africa and the achievements of high performing countries like Ghana which has been growing at rates in excess of 4 percent for the last decade, said a statement issued by the World Bank.

    A key focus will also be the challenges still facing the countries and how best the Bank, and the international community, can support the region's ongoing efforts to increase growth and reduce poverty, said the statement.

    "For the World Bank Group, Africa is a top priority because of its enormous needs and the challenges it faces," said Wolfowitz.

    Wolfowitz's visit to Burundi will be the first by a World Bank President and will provide an opportunity to learn more about the challenges of this post-conflict country, including its efforts to reintegrate former combatants.