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President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaians, especially the youth, to play an active role in building the nation and to also strive to "write a chapter that future generations will consider pivotal and inspirational". "as we welcome this New Year with its infinite promises and possibilities, we also welcome the now blank page it offers us. I call on all Ghanaians, especially our youth, to be an active part of nation building: take ownership of this country, and join in the authorship of its story, our story. I call on you to leave your mark on that page. Let us, together�one people, one nation�write a chapter that future generations will consider the most pivotal and inspirational of them all," he said as he delivered his maiden New Year Message to Ghanaians Monday night. Speaking from the Castle, Mr Mahama, in his address wished Ghanaians joy, prosperity and good heath as the nation entered a new year � 2013. New Year messages is part of the responsibilities of the President of the Republic, who apart from outlining some of government�s development plans also encourages the citizenry to work harder in the coming year. President Mahama also commended Ghanaians and all other stakeholders for the peaceful and successful election held on December 7 this year. �The year 2012 was also the year that Ghana held its sixth peaceful and successful elections and I will like to commend all Ghanaians for that achievement.� The President also expressed confidence in the political institutions adding �I believe in Ghana�s institutions especially the Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary and we shall continue to build on those institutions for the coming years.� President Mahama said he was humbled and proud to be the President of Ghana on account of her democratic credentials. He pointed out that though Ghana experienced many challenges in 2012, it overcame them with unity. �Ghana experienced loss and grief of a nature it had never known before with the sudden death of president Atta Mills and former vice president Aliu Mahama, but Ghana also experienced patriotism and unity that has not been seen since the days our independence.� �2012 was the year Ghana in which we rediscovered hope, Ghana displayed strong economic growth, one that attracted the world�s attention. Through the better Ghana agenda, we made sure and steady progress in critical areas of development.� �Like most elections the world over, this was a hard contest, yet by and large all the debates, disputes, differences in opinion were handled peacefully and with respect for the right of others and the rule of law. This in itself, is proof that Ghana�s democracy is true and is flourishing. It is the health practice of democracy and the constant application of its ideals that moves a nation closer and closer to the perfection of its democratic system. Every challenge to Ghana�s democracy is an opportunity to strengthen it.� President further expressed his faith in the state institutions saying �I believe in Ghana�s institutions and the good men and women who labor to bring integrity, efficiency, modernity to those agencies. I believe in the dedication of our government, the executive, parliamentary and judicial branches to maintaining transparency and to working for the advancement of the will and well-being of the people of this country."