Accra, Jan. 4, GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills on Tuesday solicited the total involvement of Ghanaians to realise the massive development programmes for 2011, which he has proclaimed as "Year of Action".

He stated that having overcome the difficult challenges of the first two years, now was the time to chart a new path that would ultimately change the lives of the people for the better.

In an interaction with staff of the Office of the President, at the Osu Castle in Accra, on the first working day of the year, President Mills wished the workers the best for the year and thanked them for their support in the previous year. President Mills, accompanied by the Chief of Staff, Mr Henry Newman, and some senior members of Government, walked to a number of offices including the Office of the Chief of Staff, the National Security Adviser, the Castle Clinic, Front Offices, as well as the security offices, to interact with staff. President Mills said his administration remained focused to use the resources of the nation to improve the lives of the majority of Ghanaians. When he finally got to the press corps, President Mills thanked the journalists for being the channel of communication between the Presidency and general public.

He urged the press corps to be guided at every stage by the truth as they told the stories about the Presidency so that the people would make a fair and objective assessment of the Government. The President said only truthful and accurate reports would enable the people to know that Government had lived to its mandate of bringing better lives to the majority of the people. President Mills said Government would in no way interfere with the work of journalists but would nurture an environment of free expression for the stability and growth of democracy.

He assured Ghanaians of better times ahead, and urged all to support the efforts of Government to realize national goals and aspirations and better lives for all.

Mr Kweku Tsen, Dean of the Presidential Press Corps, commended the President for the sense of reasoning that had helped to overcome the initial challenges of his administration. He said the President should not be daunted in his programmes,but remain focused in rolling out his development package with his sense of good reasoning as Ghanaians appreciated his good works.

Mr Tsen said the press corps would do its best to communicate messages of the Presidency in an objective, truthful and fair manner.