Accra, March 4, GNA - The President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Horst K=F6hler, has sent a congratulatory message to President John Evans Atta Mills on the occasion of Ghana's 52nd Independence Day which falls on Friday.

The message, released by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Accra read: "On the occasion of Independence Day in the Republic of Ghana allow me to offer you and the Ghanaian people my sincere congratulations, also on behalf of my fellow Germans. "The peaceful handover of power following fair and transparent elections demonstrated Ghana's strong commitment to African democracy, a commitment which has had an impact far beyond your country's borders. "As Ghana's long-standing partner, Germany has taken note of this with interest and satisfaction.

"I am confident that Germany and Ghana will continue to work together closely in spirit of trust on bilateral and international issues."