Success of Election 2008 is due to Ghanaians' collective will -

From Benjamin Mensah, GNA Special Correspondent, London.

London, May 6, GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills' visit, the first to Europe since assumption of office in January, is at the invitation of British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, to strengthen ties and co-operation between Ghana and Britain.

It is also to advance efforts for British assistance to Ghana in her development and poverty reduction efforts. On the first day of the three-day official visit, President Mills and Queen Elizabeth held a closed door meeting. Briefing the media, Mr Koku Anyidoho, Director of Communications at the Presidency, said Queen Elizabeth praised Ghana's smooth transition of power and urged other African countries to emulate Ghana as a beacon of democracy.

She also commended the cordial relations between the two countries and reiterated that Britain would continue her support to Ghana to fight corruption and the drug trade. President Mills attributed the success of Election 2008 to the collective will of Ghanaians to protect the constitution and maintain their democratic integrity to ensure good governance for a better Ghana. He acknowledged Britain's assistance to the success of the polls, stressing stronger collaboration with Britain in Ghana's development efforts.

President Mills later held talks with Mr David Milliband, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and Mr Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State for International Development. Mr Mahama Ayariga, Presidential Spokesperson told journalists that their discussions centred on the oil industry, with reference to the operations of Vittol Oil Company. He said other areas discussed were trade, industry and other sectors of the economy.

President Mills also met Prince Charles, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and the House of Parliament behind closed doors. Mrs Ernestina Naadu Mills, First Lady, who accompanied President Mills interacted with schoolchildren at Durand Primary School, mostly Ghanaian children and presented chocolates to them. 6 May 09