From Benjamin Mensah, GNA Special Correspondent, London London, May 8, GNA-President John Evans Atta Mills has urged Ghanaians living abroad to be focused on the truth, devoid of political misconceptions, have faith in the Government and join hands to improve the lives of the citizens.
He said efforts should be made to distinguish the facts from fiction and falsehood that led to misconceptions that were not in the interest of national unity and development. Addressing the Ghanaian community in London, which was part of his official visit to Britain at the invitation of the British Government, President Mills reiterated his assurance to Ghanaians to be father for all, irrespective of party affiliations, with emphasis on fair play, equal justice and accountability for all to push forward the national development agenda.
He said the nation was faced with challenges, but there were opportunities within those challenges for innovation, ingenuity and ability to tap into the nation's rich human and natural resources to turn the economy around.
The President expressed thanks to Ghanaians resident abroad for their remittances which were a source of foreign exchange to support the Ghanaian economy. Expressing strong belief in divine assistance to turn the nation's fortunes, President Mills said God would show the way for Ghanaians to turn the economy around for further development, reiterating his call for national unity and cohesion.
"We must remember that we are one people with a common destiny", the President said, attracting applause and cheers from the filled-to-capacity auditorium of the Marriot Hotel at Governor Square. " The elections are over, let's put them behind us. The people have spoken. Nobody has a divine mandate to rule. I therefore come as a father for all," President Mills said.
He observed that despite the natural differences in opinion, there was the need for all Ghanaians to be ruled by conscience rather than by their hearts.
The President repeated Government's message of building a better Ghana, and promised to build on the achievements of his predecessor.
" A nation that is always downplaying the efforts of its citizens is not worth dying for," the President cautioned, and entreated all Ghanaians to come together to support Government to move the nation forward.
President Mills said the success of a government depended on the level of its ability to improve on the lives of its people, and re-echoed Government's development agenda based on job creation, investment in the people, strong and vibrant economy in an open honest and transparent government.
He however, added that democracy would not flourish unless Ghanaians invested in it.
President Mills said Government would be fair without selective justice, and the pursuit of justice against people who had offended the law would be preceded by a thorough investigation. " I will do what my conscience tells me is right, but I'll make sure the integrity and sovereignty of the nation is jealously guarded. " At the end of the period, we have no choice than to account to the people," the President said.
Mr. Alex Segbefia, Deputy Chief of Staff said Government had a lot to offer people who wanted to do business in Ghana. He said Government was in no way harassing political appointees under the previous administration with its request to submit state vehicles which were less than two years old since that was the agreement at the Transition Team. Both Christian and Muslim prayers were said for divine wisdom, grace and guidance for the President and the progress of Ghana. 08 May 2009
