Akropong-Akuapem (E/R), Sept.19, GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills has appealed to the people of the Eastern Region to have patience with his government while it worked tirelessly to fix the tattered economy it inherited from the previous government.

He explained that his government was treading cautiously to avoid taking decisions that would be detrimental to the country and further explained that it was the positive impact of an action which mattered and not the rush in the implementation of the action. These were contained in a speech read on behalf of the President on Friday, at a durbar of chiefs and people to commemorate this year's Akuapem Odwira Festival, which also marks the 35th anniversary of the enstoolment of the Okuapehene, Oseadeeyo Nana Addo Dankwa III, at Akropong-Akuapem,

The festival was organized under the theme "The Role of the Youth in the Development of the Nation."

President Mills compared his government with the Biblical Nehemia and assured that his government would remain resolute in the rebuilding of the economy and would not be disturbed by its detractors, so that at the end of the first term, the people of Ghana would renew its mandate.

President Mills thanked the chiefs and people of Eastern Region for voting the National Democratic Congress back to power and promised to organize a regional tour to formally show his appreciation to the chiefs and people of the region.

He appealed to the President of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs and its appropriate committees to mediate in the chieftaincy impasse in the Akuapem area between the Okuapehene and the various divisions of the Akuapem Traditional Area.

President Mills advised the youth to distance themselves from negative practices and unproductive life styles that tend to jeopardize their future.

He called on parents, guardians, teachers, churches and civil society organizations to help instil virtues of morality, honesty, the fear of the Lord and transparency in the youths.

Earlier, the Okuapehene, Oseadeeyo Nana Addo Dankwa, urged the youth to take advantage of all opportunities offered them by the government, their communities and the church to grow up to become responsible citizens.

He called on the elderly to guide the youth in their daily activities and encourage them to take up responsibilities that would help them to grow up as responsible citizens.