The President, John Evans Atta Mills, has entreated Ghanaians, especially the youth, to be patriotic and willing to die a little for 'Homeland Ghana.' Using the exploits of the historic, gold-winning lads of Ghana’s Under 20 football squad, the Black Satellites who played their hearts out to win laurels for Ghana – both at the continental and global level, - Professor Mills opined that such an attitude is needed to achieve the objective of the Better Ghana agenda. The president made the above exhortations in a nationwide broadcast of his New Year Message to Ghanaians on Friday morning. “I want the youth in particular to emulate the fine example of the Under-20 football team. The Under-20s made us proud; they brought us glory and honor by winning the World Cup. This they did through sheer determination and a willingness to die for our country. My brothers and sisters, this is the kind of spirit which should move us in whatever we do.” President Mills also encouraged the youth to take advantage of the many “positive opportunities” that abound in the country to better their lives. The President described the year 2009 as “one of the most critical in the history of Ghana,” with some “very extreme” instances, but he said with commitment and strong determination “we were able to overcome these challenges and even made some notable gains”. He also conceded that before his tenure of office ends in 2012, there would be “challenges, immediate successes and setbacks”, but that would not deter the government from moving towards in its goal, and appealed to Ghanaians to stand firm, “resolved to work hard, be committed and dedicated”. “I am more than convinced that in 2010, our ability to move the country in the right direction is going to be greatly enhanced. We certainly would be in [a] better position to provide jobs for our people, we will invest in our people, we will expand infrastructure, we will expand the frontiers of democracy and freedom to provide comprehensive security to all Ghanaians,” he remarked. With this notwithstanding, he pleaded with Ghanaians to forge ahead in unity, having faith and optimism in the future. President Atta Mills promised to govern the nation in an “open, honest and transparent manner”. Touching on the African Cup of Nations, Angola 2010, he was hopeful the injury-plagued Black Stars who have not won any international trophies for decades, would emulate their juniors, the Black Satellites, and bring honour and glory to Ghana. He, therefore, implored all and sundry to rally behind them for a successful and victorious tournament. He also touched the hearts of gallant men from the Ghana Police Service and Armed Forces currently on international peacekeeping duties to keep hoisting the flag of Ghana high. “Let’s continue to pray to the Almighty God to continue to bless our homeland Ghana, to make our nation greater and stronger and to make us bolder in our defence of the cause of freedom and of right. And to give us the determination to do what is right and display fearless, honesty in the conduct of our affairs.” “I would want to wish each and everyone of you, a fruitful, prosperous and fulfilling New Year.” Story by Isaac Essel/myjoyonline.com/Ghana