YOUR leading article on September 15 ('You think we've got problems') was both welcome and refreshing, reminding us that our problems in Britain are as nothing compared to Africa's.

Congratulations on the breadth of your editorial horizons.

Seven members of York Global Link Group have recently visited the Fanteakwa district of Ghana.

The country - though one of the most stable in Africa - is certainly not without its problems, from crumbling rural schools and clinics to the widening gap between the high price of oil and the fall in the price of raw cocoa on the world market.

There was much to admire, however. A low crime rate, excellent community relations - between Muslims and Christians - and a move towards decentralisation in government which gives local people a real choice in how money is spent.

We will be celebrating our link with Fanteakwa by holding a York-Ghana week next March.

Anyone who is interested in taking part in or attending any of the events is invited to watch the Evening Press for details nearer the time.

Mary Machen,

Secretary, York Global Link Group,

St John's Crescent, York.

...HAVEN'T we in England always prided ourselves on being a law-abiding country and - rightly - condemned the chaos which can ensue in countries such as France when certain groups take things into their own hands and hold the Government to ransom?

Despite the apparent support gained by the fuel protesters, I feel ashamed of the selfishness which has motivated these blockades.

The Evening Press has rightly pointed out the great gulf between our own privileged position and the extreme poverty and problems in other parts of the world.

South Africa is, of course, only one of many such countries. The price of petrol would hardly matter in Bulgaria where families cannot even afford basic necessities and a loaf of bread costs the equivalent of £6.

J Frost,

Elmpark, York.