Congratulations to the new president of Ghana, Professor John Atta Mills, who before these elections was merely an opposition politician. Now he is the president and can work for his people implementing the policies that he believes will help them and push them further along the road to national development. This is a wonderful example of the beauty of democracy. This man has worked tirelessly in politics and has contested two election unsuccessfully before. He stayed the course however and did not resort to seizing power through military means as seems to happen all too often here in West Africa. He can now enjoy the legitimate fruits of his legitimate victory.

He has not only been a servant of Ghana but has also had a positive influence here in The Gambia. He was instrumental in the establishment of the National Trading Corporation NTC and trained the first managing director, Mr. Hatib Janneh proprietor of Jimpex, in the early 1980’s.

Ghana has long been a shining beacon of democracy in Africa and is seen by many as a success story in the long road to recovery from the ravages of slavery. This is exemplified in the fact that at most Professor Mills will serve only two terms. This will not be his choice it is merely the law. After serving two terms he will have to step down and allow somebody new to be elected to the position. This person will bring new ideas and fresh energy to the role and this will be to the benefit of the people of Ghana.

We wish him all the best in his new role and hope that he brings prosperity and wealth to the people who have at last elected him through legitimate means. There are lessons to be learned from this wonderful example of the power of democracy.

“To persevere in one’s duty and be silent is the best answer to calumny.”

George Washington