Vice President John Evans Atta Mills on Wednesday restated that this year's elections would be free, transparent and fair. "We want the whole world to know that we're going to have free and transparent elections that will once again prove that democracy has come to stay and we are committed to it," he declared.

Vice President Mills gave the assurance when he received Mr Ian Mackley, outgoing British High Commissioner, who called at the Castle to bid farewell after completing his four-year duty tour.

Prof. Mills expressed Ghana's appreciation to the international community, particularly, the United Kingdom, for their continued support for her development and gave the assurance that resources made available to the country would be used to the benefit of the people.

"I can assure you that we will continue to utilise the resources given us judiciously with the principles of probity and accountability." He said government was moving towards a new direction of economic dependency and has adopted policies aimed at diversifying into other areas, especially agriculture.

"We need to concentrate on agriculture and must tackle it with all the seriousness it deserves," Prof. Mills said adding that, the country will not only be cutting down on export bills but also reduce the cost of food.

He said over the years, government has tirelessly worked towards developing an environment to improve the macro-economic base.

Vice President Mills noted that the High Commissioner's tour of duty witnessed a lot of high level visits between the United Kingdom and Ghana. These include the Royal family and other equally significant ones, which have helped a great deal to enhance bilateral ties.

"You certainly have played your part. Indeed, we will miss you," Prof. Mills told the envoy who is leaving for home from where he would probably retire.

Mr. Mackley who began his tour in Ghana five months before the 1996 elections said he was disappointed that he would not be a witness to this year's elections. "I am certainly leaving Ghana with regrets," he added, citing the Ghana's hospitality and culture as things that he would miss most.