President John Evans Atta Mills Tuesday held a crucial meeting with the members of Council of State to plot policies and strategies to accelerate national development and enhance the realisation of the ‘Better Ghana’ agenda. Addressing the opening session, the President said he was undaunted by the challenges that had confronted the government in the past three years and affirmed his commitment to work relentlessly to put the economy on track to improve the lives of the people. The meeting, which was the first in the year, afforded the members of the council the opportunity to deliberate on varied issues, particularly the economy, national security and how to ensure peace and security before, during and after the 2012 elections. In attendance were the Vice-President, Mr John Dramani Mahama, and the ministers of Energy, Finance, Agriculture, Justice and the Interior. President Mills lauded the members of the Council of State for their wise counsel which had brought the country this far, a situation which had won the admiration of the international community. “Whatever we have achieved we owe it to you. But whatever the lapses, we have been responsible alone and we accept that,” he said. He said Ghanaians who voted the National Democratic Congress (NDC) into power had every right to demand accountability, saying, “We are focused to bring development to the people of this country.” President Mills described the previous meeting with the Council of State as exciting because “you have a lot to share. It is good that we have to meet from time to time to share ideas”. He renewed his pledge to forge a partnership with the Council of State to give the country a facelift, particularly in the areas of health, agriculture, education and infrastructural development. “Although I invited you at short notice, it is our hope that we will all leave here richer than before,” he said. The Chairman of the Council of State, Professor Kofi Nyidevu Awoonor, said although the workload was going to be heavier this year than usual, the pace of work would be quickened to achieve more results. He said the members would also take the opportunity offered by the meeting to share with the Executive the experiences of members when they toured the three northern regions last year. He expressed the hope that the recommendations that members would make would be considered for implementation by the government. Prof Awoonor used the opportunity to wish the President and the Vice-President a Happy and Prosperous New Year.