South African President Kgalema Motlanthe has sent a congratulatory message to Ghana's president-elect Prof. John Evans Atta Mills.

He said John Atta Mills' election as Ghana's president carried with it hope for millions of Ghananians, the continent and the West African region, SA president Kgalema Motlanthe said on Saturday.

"South Africa reaffirms its commitment to work together with you, for the political unity and integration of the African continent within the framework of the African Union and through our support for NEPAD; as well as the AU institutions," Motlanthe said in a statement.

He said the election, which commenced on December 28, beared testimony to Ghana's respect for democracy and good governance in Africa.

"In this regard, our congratulations also go to the people of Ghana who have through the ballot paper, showed their appreciation for democracy."

Motlanthe wished Atta Mills good health, prosperity and successful term of office, saying the country looked forward to strengthening ties with Ghana.

"South Africa looks forward to the consolidation and strengthening of bilateral political, economic and trade relations between our two countries and indeed its peoples," he said.