President Mills gives glory to God, appreciates Ghanaians for upholding democracy

Accra, Jan. 6, GNA-President John Evans Atta Mills on Friday gave glory to God and expressed appreciation to Ghanaians for choosing and protecting the nation's democracy to provide a haven for development.

He told a United State Congressional delegation that called on him at the Osu Castle in Accra, that God the destiny of a nation lies in the hands of God, and not in solely in the in the strength of Ghanaians, adding, “heaven helps those who help themselves.”

The President's made the acknowledgment in response to a question from Mr Lindsey Graham, South Carolina's Senator, who led the delegation.

He had described Ghana an “island of tranquility” wanted to know the reasons for Ghana's economic development, rule of law and the sustenance of democracy.

The delegation, on a one week African tour of Ghana, South Africa and Tanzania, would assess the impact of US assisted projects, in Ghana, especially the Mallam Junction project, under the Millennium Challenge Compact (MCC), which comes to a close next February.

President Mills thanked to the delegation for the visit, acknowledging the strong relations between Ghana and the US

He said Government inherited peace, and it has the duty to protect the record of the nation's tall democratic credentials.

Also, Ghanaians are determined to protect the peace of the nation, since history has shown there can be no development without peace, the President explained.

President Mills lauded the Security Agencies and the Ghana Police Force, for their vigilance.

According to him, Ghana has also taken a cue from the troubles in neighbouring nations, and reiterated Government's commitment to ensure peace before and after Ghana's 2012 elections.

He reminded people seeking political power that personal ambition does must subdue to national aspirations, and that power resides in the hands of the people who have to make a choice of who should lead them.

Mr Lindsey said the US was prepared to learn from Ghana “how we can be better friends,” and deepen the relationship between Accra and Washington.

In addition to the inspection of the MCC project at Mallam Junction in Accra, the delegation would also commission a school project in Awutu Bontrase, in the Central Region during the visit.

The US is providing Ghana assistance in a number of areas such as health, education, AIDS control among others.

GNA