Mills promises transparent government

Lawrencia Allotey, 35, threw her hand into the air moments after John Evans Atta Mills took the oath of office as the third President of the fourth Republic of Ghana.

"The road has been long for him," she told the dailyEXPRESS in Ga while dancing and blowing her multi-coloured horn in excitement. "I'm very confident he'll deliver," she added.

The mother of three who sells kenkey for a living says John Mills is the right man Ghana needs at this moment and remains hopeful Ghanaians will support him to transform the lives of every Ghanaian.

The new president, dressed in kente cloth over a white 'jumper' promised in his inaugural speech to run an open and transparent administration that will deliver the "better Ghana" mantra his government rode on to power.

John Mills, who defeated his confident political rival and former football team mate Nana Akufo-Addo in a race that is said to have entrenched divisions in the country, said he'll use his presidency to unite the country. According to him, the elections are over and it's important for Ghanaians to recognize that they're one people before their party affiliations.

"I'll heal wounds and strive for the unity of our country," he said to thunderous applause from the thousands of party supporters and Ghanaians who thronged the independence square.
He also reminded Ghanaians of the need to recognize that they're one people with a common destiny.

He described his election as the "dawn of a new era" and said Ghanaian businesses will be given the needed support to grow. The president assured foreign companies that they will be treated fairly but not to the detriment of Ghanaian businesses. He also touched on the importation of cheap products from China and elsewhere and said his administration will take a close look at it.

His NDC party is coming from a background where opponents have often described as militaristic and ahead of the elections, their opponents had speculated that a vote for the party will mean they'll pursue vengeance. But the president allayed the fears of Ghanaians.

According to John Mills, his government would not "witch hunt" anyone nor pursue the path of "vengeance" but will "respect the principles of accountability" for the good of the country.

The president assured neighbouring countries of his government's readiness to work with countries within the sub-region, the African Union and other related agencies to ensure both economic stability and world peace.

Meanwhile Ghanaians are waiting patiently with their wish list for the president and his government to be fulfilled. And according to Lawrencia, she's confident the former law professor and tax expert will deliver on his promises to Ghanaians.

"He is an honest man and I have no doubt he'll surely do what he has promised," she noted.

The party is meanwhile over and Ghanaians expect the president and his team to hit the ground as soon as possible.

Credit: Osabutey Anny [[email protected]]