Accra, Jan. 7, GNA - The President of the Federal Republic of Germany Horst K=F6hler on Wednesday congratulated Prof. John Atta Mills on his election as the new President of Ghana.

A statement from the German Embassy in Ghana said, "Please

accept my sincere congratulations and those of my fellow Germans

on your appointment as President of the Republic of Ghana". "Your victory in an election that was fair and transparent is an

impressive endorsement of 16 years during which democracy and

respect for the constitutional order have taken hold in your country. I

was impressed by the way the close result was accepted by all

political factions and by the Ghanaian public at large. You and all of

Ghana's citizens may be proud of what has been achieved." "I wish you every success in tackling the challenges that lie

ahead, and particularly in further strengthening democratic

institutions and boosting the economy," the statement said, adding,

Germany will continue in its time-tested manner to stand by you and

the Ghanaian people in a spirit of partnership.