Accra, March 10, GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills on Wednesday said divergent political views were ideal for good democratic practice. However, he noted that political leaders should use State resources to advance the cause of the people and improve their living standards. President Mills was hopeful of a bright future for Africa, but observed that politics would ever be present with different and alternative views, and the objective should always be to improve on the lives of the people.

He made the observation when Mr Charles Stith, Director of African Presidential Archives and Research Centre (APARC), presented a copy of the African Leaders State of Africa Report 2009 to him at the Osu Castle, in Accra.

President Mills called on African leaders to learn from each other, including lessons and suggestions proffered in the report, and work hard with the available resources to lift their peoples from the doldrums. He pointed out that the 21st Century was for Africans therefore Africa should get its act together and become a shining example for other continents.

Mr. Stith, a former US Ambassador to Tanzania, is touring eight African nations for the release of the report. They are Tanzania, South Africa, Ghana, Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi and Cape Verde.

President Mills is among 14 African leaders featured in the report. The report, in its eighth year, is one of APARC's core projects and represents a unique perspective on Africa. A statement from the Boston University APARC, said: "it reflects positive development toward democratic and free market reform on the continent". 10 March 10