Accra, Sept. 21, GNA - Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, First President of Ghana, was an embodiment of national unity who did not know the North, South, East or West; President John Evans Atta Mills said in a dawn broadcast on Monday.

President Mills, who was addressing the nation at the dawn of the centenary birthday anniversary of Ghana's Founder, called on Ghanaians to rededicate themselves to national unity and to care for one another, put away divisive tendencies and to hold on to things that held the nation together.

He said Osagyefo Nkrumah was a star of Ghana and Africa, who projected Ghana as the True Black Star, adding that it should be the collective pride of Ghanaians to celebrate the birthday of Ghana's First President, who lit the blaze of the liberation struggle of Africa. President Mills said the celebrations were in recognition of what Osagyefo the President gave to Ghana and Africa and condemned attempts to downplay his role, adding; "let this day be the beginning of the breathing of a new life into a strong and united nation. We should rekindle our sense of national pride and self-worth".

President Mills advised the youth to work hard to realise their dreams and cautioned that there were no short-cuts to success. He reiterated the need for Ghanaians to use the celebration of Osagyefo's 100th year birthday to rededicate themselves to the building of a Better Ghana.

He said the beginning might be difficult but there was light at the end of the tunnel and urged Ghanaians to copy the tenacious courage of Osagyefo the President, which was dyed in selflessness and made it possible for him to achieve his dream of an independent Ghana. President Mills urged Ghanaians to arise to the vision of Osagyefo the President, saying, "Kwame Nkrumah built Ghana. Let us rise up to our duties and make the nation prosperous". Ghana is celebrating the centenary birthday of Osagyefo the President with a year-long of activities.