President John Atta Mills, on Tuesday said it was time the Western world and other friendly nations partner Africa to make her stand on her own.

In a chat with American Congressional delegation in Accra, President Mills noted that, the West must support the Continent, which was now making advances in all sectors, for mutual investment benefits and to improve the lives of the people.

The delegation, led by Senator Jim Inhofe, is in Ghana on an investment mission, and called on President Mills at the Osu Castle in Accra.

President Mills noted that, the two nations shared similar credentials of choosing the path of democracy, belief in the rule of law and best governance practices.

He said, the Government was committed to act in the best interest of the people, and recalled the visit of President Obama in 2009, which he reciprocated last month, during which bilateral trade talks were held with senior members of the US Government.

President Mills expressed appreciation to the US for its development assistance to Ghana, and lauded the new Partnership for Growth, and the Millennium Challenge Account Compact II, under which Ghana would benefit development assistance aimed at poverty reduction.

President Mills, assured the delegation that despite the recent problem in Mali, Africa was making progress in all sectors and invited the US, together with other friendly nations to support the Continent to fully stand on its own.

On his part, Senator Inhofe, praised Ghana on her democratic credentials, and singled out Ghana as the preferred investment destination because of its sound economic and political atmosphere.

He commended the Mills Administration for the sound footing of the economy, and stated that, the delegation was interested in personal relations and to do more trade between the two nations.

According to Senator Inhofe, the delegation had the support of the US Chamber of Trade and was ready to team up with Ghana for more trade and investment relations.

Other members of the delegation commended Ghana on her democratic credentials and reiterated the US interest to do more investment in Ghana for mutual returns.**