Mills Confident Of Winning 2012

-But determined to ensure free, fair and orderly elections

President of the Republic of Ghana, Professor John Evans Atta Mills, has assured the nation and the Diplomatic Community that, even though he hoped to secure a second mandate from the people, he is determined to ensure free, fair and orderly elections this year

The president also gave the assurance of more diligent work to enhance the nation’s economic gains, saying Government will not sacrifice the gains on the altar of election year politics, stressing:

“We will continue to work with you in the last leg of my first term to consolidate the gains achieved. He recently told diplomats and representatives of international organisations at a cocktail in Accra.

The President added “I am confident that we will remain strong allies in the next four years. I wish to reiterate my Government’s commitment to deepening the bonds of friendship and co-operation with your respective countries and organisations,” He said.

He said his Administration is determined to ensure free, fair and orderly elections this year, without compromising the peace and stability that the nation has enjoyed over the years.

The interaction is an annual traditional gathering to exchange seasonal greetings, recall events of the past year and to reflect on the prospects of the New Year.

With an expression of appreciation and counting on the support of the diplomats, President Mills gave the assurance that Government will continue to build a Better Ghana.

“Please keep a close eye on the election and do not hesitate to alert us if you think there are things we need to know,” President Mills said.

He paid tribute to the African Union (AU) for the honour done Ghana by repositioning the country’s first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, firmly on the mind of the Continent.

The President recently unveiled a statue of Dr Nkrumah, erected by the AU at its new headquarters in Addis Ababa.

He also took part in the Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards ceremony at the 18th AU Ordinary Session of Heads of State and Government.

President Mills commended Gabon and Equatorial Guinea for hosting the Africa Cup of Nations. Mr Sini Pierre Sanou, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Accra, commended Government on the economic gains achieved last year.

“We noticed the comprehensive development, which spans all relevant socio-economic areas, including oil, gas, mining, agriculture, trade and industry, road infrastructure… which are the bedrock of any meaningful progress,” he said.

The Community observed that President Mills is committed to democracy and praised him for his contributions to peace in the West African sub-region, Africa and the United Nations.

Mr Sanou called on the international and diplomatic community to rise up and come together in the fight against drugs, arms and human trafficking as well as terrorism.

The envoys took turns to shake hands and exchange pleasantries with the President.

In a related development President Mills has been judged by the East African Magazine as one of the best leaders on the continent.

In the latest edition (February 6-12, 2012) of its annual African Leadership Scorecard which measures the performance of a president in the areas of governance, democracy, press freedom, corruption and human development in the past year, President Mills was awarded grade A with a score of 70.1% for his performance as a leader in 2011. The Ghanaian leader obtained the same grade in 2010. Additional files from Daily Express/GNA