President John Dramani Mahama has asked Ghanaians to be mindful about the fact that the country's atmosphere of peace is equally an asset that must be zealously protected from failing.

Speaking at the 58th Independence anniversary parade at the Black Star Star Squarein Accra, the President noted that although the country may not have largely achieved the desired development after 58 years of existence, it was critical for the citizenry to appreciate some successes that had been chalked.

Addressing issues of political, religious and ethnic intolerance rearing its head in the Ghanaian society, President Mahama said the attainment of a peaceful and democratic society in itself was also an asset that must be protected.

"Fellow Ghanaians, assuming without accepting that we have achieved nothing in the 58 years of our existence as a nation, one thing the whole world recognizes and accepts about Ghana, is that we are an oasis of peace, democracy, religious and ethnic tranquility. This is such a beautiful asset we cannot allow anyone to take away from us. We cannot sacrifice".

The President reiterated his commitment towards ensuring a harmonious and peaceful society, and urged all political leaders in the country to contribute their quota in that regard.

"Multiparty democracy is not synonymous with enmity and division. It rather offers a melting point for the exchange of ideas. Party politics is disadvantageous if all it leaves in its wake is intractable differences and a lack of consensus on any and every national subject. Belonging to different political organizations is no reason why we can't work together to achieve solutions to our common challenges".

"I wish to declare emphatically that for me, no amount of political power is worth plunging this country into partisan, ethnic or religious strife. I pledge to continue to do all in my power to promote at atmosphere of political rapprochement in order to diffuse any tensions that may threaten our national well-being, and I expect that all political leaders in this country, will do the same".