South African President Kgalema Motlanthe Congratulates John Atta Mills as President Elect of the Republic of Ghana

Pretoria: South African President and Chairperson of SADC, President Kgalema Motlanthe, today, Saturday – 3rd January 2009 – extended on behalf of the government and people of South Africa, the SADC region, warm congratulations to John Atta Mills on his election as President elect of the Republic of Ghana.

President Motlanthe said “Your Excellency, Your election to this high office, carries with it hope for millions of your countrymen, the continent as well as those in the West Africa Region and the Diaspora”

 “This fifth multiparty democratic elections, following shortly on Ghana’s fiftieth anniversary of independence last year bears testimony to the respect for democracy and good governance in Africa. In this regard, our congratulations also go to the people of Ghana who have through the ballot paper, showed their appreciation for democracy”, continued President Motlanthe.

“South Africa reaffirms its commitment to work together with you for the political unity and integration of the African continent within the framework of the African Union and through our support for NEPAD as well as the AU institutions. South Africa looks forward to the consolidation and strengthening of bilateral political, economic and trade relations between our two countries and indeed its peoples.”

In conclusion, President Motlanthe said that “Please accept, Your Excellency my best wishes for your personal good health; prosperity for the Republic of Ghana and a successful term of office”.

Issued by Nomfanelo Kota 0824593787

Department of Foreign Affairs
P/ Bag x 152
Pretoria
0001

3 January 2009