President Mills has appealed to Ghanaians in the United Kingdom and elsewhere to unite and join hands with his government for the development of Ghana. In a well received speech to the community members including their various sub-chiefs and lasting a little over 16 minutes, the President was very conciliatory himself. Joy FM’s Israel Laryea sat through the forum and reports that the President arrived at the Marriots Hotel venue to a rousing welcome from the Ghanaians who had been waiting for hours. Right after the prayers and cultural performances that preceded the speeches, the President together with his Deputy Chief of Staff Alex Segbefia apologized for keeping them waiting. President Mills was grateful to the community for supporting the economy with their remittances. He urged the residents not to believe all the stories they hear from Ghana because he said many were exaggerated. One of the many remarks made by the President that seemed to have gone down well with the crowd was his acknowledgement of the contribution of his forebears in the development of the nation. He made it clear that much as his government had inherited some weaknesses in the economy, it remains strong in certain areas. President Mills offered a standard he said Ghanaians could measure his government’s success or failure. President Mills shared with the UK Ghanaians the thematic areas his government intends to pursue; job creation, investing in people, expansion of infrastructure supported by a sound economy and leading an open, honest and transparent government. He was hopeful that despite the challenges the country’s aspirations could be realized so long as Ghanaians joined hands to work hard.