Sunyani, Jan. 13, GNA - President Horst Kohler of Germany has described President John Evans Atta Mills' victory in "such a fair and transparent election" as an impressive endorsement of democracy and respect for the constitutional order in Ghana. In a congratulatory message the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany issued on Tuesday, the German Leader said he was impressed by the manner in which the close result of the election was accepted by all political parties and the public at large and urged Ghanaians to be proud of such a great achievement.

President Kohler wished Professor Mills success in tackling the challenges ahead of him and particularly in further strengthening democratic institutions and boosting the economy. "Germany will continue in its time-tested manner to stand by you and the people of Ghana in a spirit of partnership", he said. Dr Angela Merkel, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, has also sent a similar congratulatory message to President Mills on his assumption of office.

The message, issued by the German Embassy in Ghana said the orderly conduct of the elections and the peaceful transfer of power had "once again demonstrated the exemplary stability of Ghana's democracy of which the people can rightly be proud of". The German Chancellor pledged her country's continued support, friendship and cooperation in a spirit of partnership. 13 Jan. 09