President John Mahama has rallied Ghanaians to go into the 2016 elections with a primary objective of making Ghana a model for Africa.

He said the eyes of the world will be on Ghana once again and the December 7 poll gives the West African country another opportunity to prove that it is a “model of democracy in Africa.”

Addressing Muslims at the Eid-ul-Adha prayers in Accra Monday, Mahama noted Ghanaians must come out of the crucial polls more united than ever as he faces his main rival Nana Akufo-Addo of the opposition New Patriotic Party for the second time since 2012.

“As we gradually inch towards the 2016 General Elections, we should all endeavour to uphold the peace that has characterised our elections and has defined us as a people. It is this that has made us to be described as the model of democracy in Africa,” Mahama stated.

“I am always thankful that Allah has blessed me with the opportunity to be the president of such an industrious, united and peace loving people like Ghanaians.

“It is for this reason that I remain confident that once again when our democracy is tested on December 7, you will respond with vigour and deliver yet another peace, fair and transparent election to the world,” the president opined.

Mahama used the occasion to apologise to would-be pilgrims who were unable to be airlifted to the Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

“This year we conducted a successful Hajj… [but] I wish to express my regret to all who due to certain reasons were unable to embark on the Hajj this year.”

He therefore noted that he had directed the Hajj Committee to request an increase in the quota of pilgrims from the current 5424 to 7000 pilgrims next year to address such problems.