Accra, March 12, GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills on Friday received Dr. Mohamed "Mo" Ibrahim, Founder of Mo Ibrahim Foundation, at the Osu Castle in Accra, and stressed the need for the use of political power to improve the quality of life of the people. The Sudanese-born British mobile telephony billionaire is in the country to deliver a lecture at the University of Ghana, Legon.

President Mills described Africa as the continent for the 21st Century and called for the development of the capacity and ability of the people, especially the youth to take up challenges of the future. He spoke of Africa's changing roles and said the continent owed the younger generation a huge debt to coach them for the challenges that come with the continent's roles and to turn it around. President Mills commended the Mo Ibrahim Foundation for its interest in governance, development and progress of Africa adding, the Foundation provided the impetus and incentive.

On the Mo Ibrahim Award for Good Governance, President Mills said it was setting high standards for African leaders to perform. He called on African leaders to be upright in their endeavours and in the interest of their people.

Dr. Ibrahim said the Foundation was asking the young generation to come forward for leadership role. He commended Ghana for her democratic credentials and said: "Ghana gave us a good example in democracy".

In a related development, students of Go Africa Go Germany Federal Agency for Civic Education called on President Mills at the Osu Castle. President Mills observed that Afro-German relations had come a long way and advised beneficiaries of the scholarship scheme to make the best use of the opportunity.