President John Mahama has described 2015 as a challenging year but says Ghana is closer than ever before to realising the fruit of the seeds that his government has sowed in the past three years of his government.

He has therefore urged Ghanaians not to give up on their perseverance.

"We are closer now, than ever before, to realizing the fruits of our patience. So let us not surrender our perseverance and the pride of nationalism to negativity or pessimism," he said in his New Year message Thursday night.

President Mahama said although 2015 was a challenger year, the country experienced growth coupled with numerous accomplishment, adding “but we also experienced a number of setbacks and faced what, at the time, felt like limitations.

"They were not altogether unexpected. Indeed, I had asked you, the good citizens of Ghana, to exercise patience and to bear with us during the difficult periods. Words cannot express how impressed and inspired I have been by the understanding, the strong support, and the consistent encouragement with which you responded," he stated

The President said the disagreement or criticism from the people demonstrate the truth about their unwavering love of Ghana and "our shared desire, despite whatever differing opinions on policies or methodologies, to see our nation progress.

"I applaud this steadfast patriotism... I would continue to serve this country with the understanding that one of the hallmarks of democracy is the continuous communication between the people of a nation and their elected representatives," he assured.

He said just as everyone is greeting the New Year with the intention of constructive change and the expectation of exciting new possibilities in their lives, they should also wish same for Ghana, adding "...let us go forward into 2016 with courage not caution, with optimism and a faith in our ability to achieve and succeed.

"I wish all of you safe and joyous celebrations, and a 2016 that is filled with good health, happiness and prosperity.