Accra, Feb. 25, GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills on Thursday appealed to Ghanaians to join the Government in creating hope, opportunity and peace of mind for the nation's progress.

He said he was optimistic about the future of the nation based on sound democratic and inclusive governance but noted that the nation's challenges were to every Ghanaian and not just a political group or exclusive to the Government.

Presenting his second State of the Nation Address to Parliament, President Mills said Ghana could grow and mature as full participant in the 21st century Global village and be a stable, prosperous, democratic leader in Africa only when love of country superseded personal ideology and the people agreed on these objectives.

Under the theme "Partners in Vision" the 72-minute address made observations on the Economy, Agriculture, Employment, Youth Development, Education, Health, Housing, Security and Governance.

He said: "One year after our election, I'm proud to stand before you and say with confidence -'The State of the Nation is good. and I can confidently say `So Far-Much Better."

President Mills, however, said there was still a huge amount of work to be done, and assured the nation that the Government was fully committed to the election promises of ensuring a Better Ghana.

He touched on changes introduced by his administratio n, including consciously developing an atmosphere where criticisms were not seen as 'enemy action' but rather as serious alternative views.

"I am even more pleased that our NDC members feel just as free to criticize their own government as opposition members do," President Mills said, adding: "It is my fervent hope this atmosphere of unfettered free speech will be enjoyed responsibly and received openly with respect among Ghanaians of all political loyalties".

He reminded Ghanaians that the Government had a four-year mandate and would strive "to take the right decision rather than quick decisions" and at the end of the four-year mandate, Ghanaians would judge the Government and its achievements "so that they can once again freely elect the next President and the next administration."

President Mills, in a preface to his address enlisted the House and those in the public gallery including Former President Jerry John Rawlings, Members of the Council of State, Members of the Diplomatic Corps and senior security officers to observe a minute's silence in memory of the late Mr B. J. da Rocha, Major Courage Quashigah, Mama Dokua Asigble, and others across the political divide who had died.