Government will remain focused - Mills

The President, Prof. John Atta Mills has said his government will not yield to distractions but will remain focused and improve on the efficiency of governance processes.

He said the government will focus on the things that matter, to enable the country's economy recover a certain degree of stability.

Delivering his address at this year's Independence Day Anniversary parade, President Mills said the government will pursue aggressively its objective of implementing a healthcare system that provides for all.

“The government believes in investing in infrastructure to open up the country…providing quality teachers in a highly improved school system, providing good drinking water for the people and making Ghana a much safer place for the citizenry.

“We count on the goodwill and understanding of all Ghanaians as we engage each other in a collaborative effort to build the kind of better Ghana we all want.”

He reminded the country's political leaders that what they say or fail to say makes a lot of difference in how their followers conduct themselves in national discourse.

“I will not condone actions that will pitch one citizen against the other as a way of settling political scores.”

The President reiterated his resolve not to pursue political vendetta but stressed those who have violated the laws of the land will not escape justice.

“An Atta Mills government will ensure that all those who have contravened our laws will be brought to justice. No amount of organized distraction or political barnstorming will break my resolve to chart a new course in the politics of this our dear nation,” he warned.

“It may take some a while to wake up to this political reality,” he agreed, adding “but I hope and know that eventually they will”.

Nkrumah, others remembered

President Mills also summoned Ghanaians to “pay homage to the sons and daughters of Ghana whose vision and tenacity of purpose won us our independence.”

“Foremost among them is Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah who has left an indelible impression on world history and was rightly chosen as the topmost African personality of the 20th century.”

The celebrations are under the theme: Unity and Peace, Pillars for National Development.

The President stressed that the country must not be caught only basking in its past glories but also reflecting on how to create a prosperous future to “leave a solid legacy for the generation after us.”

He said Ghanaians must “rejoice” although they are faced with challenges for there is hope for us.

“Our nation is blessed with so much. Even if our wishes are not always the way we want them, the qualities of our human resource alone exemplifies the country's huge potential,” he said.

He pledged his government's commitment to better the standards of living of the citizenry.

The president emphasised the ruling party's commitment not to lead vindictive government but to ensure fairness in all affairs of the state.

“This administration does not intend to parade scapegoats nor seek refuge in excuses,” he stressed.

President Mills urged Ghanaians to unite to pursue a common agenda that will make the country a preferred destination for investment.

Story by Malik Daabu and Fiifi Koomson