Kumasi (Ashanti Region) 28 Dec '99 - The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has extended his sincere greetings and best wishes to Ghanaians as they celebrate this year's Christmas, which marks the end of the 20th century and the second millennium.

In a Christmas and New Year message, the Asantehene noted that "the end of an old year and the beginning of a new one has always been regarded as a most propitious occasion for peoples everywhere". "It is time for them to take stock of the past and rededicate themselves to the promotion of a peaceful, prosperous and contended future for themselves and their children".

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, therefore, asked Ghanaians to join him to give thanks to God for his blessings and pray that the New Year will benefit from the wisdom and lessons of the past as this year draws to a close.

He expressed the hope that Ghanaians, would in unity, dedication and diligence, use the resources, with which nature has so bountifully blessed the country, to enrich and uplift their lives as a people.

The Asantehene said "after the joy and merriment of Christmas and its message of peace and goodwill to all mankind, I extend to all the people of Ghana best wishes for good health, happiness and prosperity in the New Year".