Accra, Jan. 7, GNA - The government and people of France on Wednesday congratulated Prof. John Atta Mills on his election as the new president of Ghana.

A statement from the Embassy in Accra on behalf of French President Nicolas Sarkozy said, "At the end of your remarkable campaign and as the Ghanaian people have just given you their confidence, I wish now to send to You my most cheerful congratulations".

"Your victory is a victory for democracy, and I feel convinced that you will be able to accompany your country towards new progress, in the respect for institutions and liberties which was now characterized in the eyes of the international community as a whole".

"Following presidential balloting that was universally hailed for its

transparency and lawfulness, the Ghanaian people once again

demonstrated their attachment to democracy. "France is pleased that the values we share with Ghana have

taken root in that friendly country. The statement said Prof. Atta Mills' election as well as the

withdrawal of President John Kufuor and Nana Akufo-Addo's

acceptance of the results under the terms of the Constitution stood

as an example for Africa. \ "On this occasion, I send you my best wishes for a full success in the pursuit of an undertaking which has made Ghana an example for African countries to emulate."