On behalf of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) I extend warm greetings to all Ghanaians on the occasions of Eid ul Adha that was celebrated last Wednesday and Christmas, which will be celebrated next Tuesday.

Traditionally these two events have served as periods of sober reflection, particularly because they are observed at the end of the year and serve to usher in a new year.

2007 has been a year of mixed fortunes, but Ghanaians still have Allah and God to thank for surviving some very difficult times with particular reference to the national load shedding exercise and the difficult economic conditions it came along with.

Gratitude should go to all Ghanaians for maintaining the peace and unity we continue to enjoy but we must not forget those service men of ours who spent, and are spending time maintaining peace across the world.

Our peacekeeping forces across the globe, particularly in Darfur, Sudan, have to be commended for their bravery and perseverance in extremely trying conditions.

At a time like this, we must not forget our gallant men and women in uniform who continue to fly high the flag of Ghana within and beyond our borders.

As the year draws to a close, and we celebrate these two religious occasions, I take this opportunity to enjoin all Ghanaians to remember that these times serve as moments for sober reflection – periods during which we have to forgive and forget, periods when we have to foster peace and unity and more importantly, periods when we have to pray for good tidings for the new year.

Next year promises to be very eventful.

We start off with the Ghana 2008 soccer tournament and conclude with the Presidential and Parliamentary elections.

Our legendary hospitality should be brought to the fore as we welcome our brothers from the continent and beyond join us to play host to all that is good about African football.

Of course, our support should be strongly behind the Black Stars to ensure that the gallantry they displayed at the 2006 World Cup will be surpassed to enable us lift the African title for the 5th time.

I join all Ghanaians to pray for peace, prosperity, success, and more importantly, unity for 2008.

There is no other place we can call our home, and it is my wish that we all endeavour to stay committed to making Ghana a home where we can live in peace, harmony and pursue our dreams, as well as a home we can all be proud of.

God bless our homeland Ghana

Merry Christmas and Barka de salah to all Ghanaians.