Tripoli (Libya), Nov. 30, GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills on Tuesday assured Ghanaians resident in Libya of Government's protection, stressing the need for them to have valid immigration documents and observe the laws and regulations of the host country.

He emphasised that it was only when they abide by the rules and laws of Libya that the hands of Government would be strengthened to fight for them. President Mills gave the assurance in Tripoli, the Libyan capital, when he attended a luncheon in his honour by the Embassy of Ghana, at the end of the third Africa-EU Summit.

Embassy estimates put the number of Ghanaians in Libya to 15,000. The President expressed his delight at meeting his countrymen and urged them to go about their duties without brushes with the law. He recalled the long-standing relations between Ghana and Libya, and pledged that Government would build on it to the mutual benefit of both countries.

President Mills said Government was pursuing a massive infrastructural revival with the initiation of many projects with the intention to expand the economy.

He pointed out that Government would put the assistance so far procured from friendly nations to the benefit of the people and to expand the economy.

The President said Government would fulfil its promise for the Better Ghana agenda.

He urged the people to put their shoulders behind Government to succeed in its development programmes.

President Mills announced that work would begin on transforming and expanding Ghana's railway system, which would open many opportunities. Mr Kodjo Hodari-Okine, Ghana's Ambassador to Libya, with oversight duties over Malta, advised Ghanaians at home not to travel without the proper documents.