Accra, April 26, GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills on Tuesday received Madam Dianne Curtis, International President of the Zonta International to the Osu Castle in Accra, and called for the maintenance of values that promoted human well-being. In a chat with the visiting President who is in Ghana, for the 20th Zonta International District 18 Conference in Accra, President Mills extolled the Zonta ideals of quality and excellence, explaining that those were the values that were needed to build a strong nation. President Mills expressed regret that some people had rejected these values, to the detriment of the nation. He expressed the belief that Zonta had a positive role in nation building, and that the visit of the organisation's President would be an opportunity that would open many doors. Madam Curtis, said she was inspired by the Easter message of President Mills.

She said the Chicago-based organisation, founded in 1919 now operates in 65 countries, 1200 clubs with 31,000 members. Madam Curtis said Zonta was committed to its principles of honesty and trustworthiness, and was engaged in projects across the world to improve the lives of women and the vulnerable. She said the Accra summit had not been held in Accra for at least 40 years now. The theme for the summit is: "Relate, Empower, Advocate and Liberate." Local Zonta officials said the summit would touch on women empowerment, dangers of human trafficking and Trokosi among other issues. The summit takes place in Accra from April 27 to April 30 in Accra. 26 April 11