Cape Coast, March 27, GNA- President John Evans Atta Mills was on Friday given a tumultuous welcome by an enthusiastic crowd when he arrived at Cape Coast to begin a three-day official visit. The visit has been dubbed by residents as the "homecoming of the President".

The crowd that had converged at Siwdu stadium area, a suburb of Cape Coast as early as 1400 hrs when news reached them on his visit, welcomed the President with loud cheers amidst drumming and dancing when he arrived around 1600 hrs.

At a point, President Mills had to get out from his vehicle to acknowledge the cheers before riding through the principal streets of the metropolis and to the offices of the Oguaa Traditional Council where the Paramount Chief, Nana Kwesi Atta II, his sub-chiefs and queenmothers had gathered to receive him. President Mills re-assured Ghanaians that, he would be the President for all, irrespective of their political affiliation and pledged to strive for their development and that of the country in totality.

"The country's money is not meant for the leaders of the country, it will be well utilized for the benefit of all Ghanaians," he declared, adding that, God has endowed the country with all the resources needed for its accelerated development and urged Ghanaians to contribute their quota to facilitate its achievement.

He also urged the people of Cape Coast to eschew negative tendencies such as unnecessary grumbling, bickering and backbiting which, he said, was a stumbling block hindering the progress of the area, but rather forge ahead in unity of purpose, humility and love. President Mills expressed gratitude to God for his victory and also thanked the chiefs for their prayers and support adding that he was in the region to show appreciation for their support and give thanks to the Almighty God.

The Regional Minister, Madam Ama Benyiwa-Doe said it was appropriate that the President "came back home to give thanks to God" because he is from the region and also received a lot of support there during the 2008 elections.

Osabarimba Kwesi Atta, for his part welcomed President Mills and promised that the Traditional Council will continue to pray for him for God's guidance and counsel.

He appealed to him to ensure the expansion of the seating capacity of the Cape Coast Sport Stadium currently under construction from a seating capacity of 15,000 to 25,000, while the Kotokuraba market should also be given a facelift.