Ghana's recently hotly contested elections, in which a victor emerged after a re- run, could give the rest of Africa a challenge and a model of democracy to emulate. Though the winner carried the day with a razor- thin margin of less than 0.5% votes, it still earned the country many accolades and boosted its democratic credentials and profile.

For Ghana, which nearly plunged into violence during the elections, it was a relief to emerge with a new president peacefully.

I admire and laud Nana Akufo- Ado, the incumbent candidate of the New Patriotic Party, for honorably accepting defeat as a normal consequence in any contest.

Rare in Africa, he conceded defeat and voluntarily congratulated the victor. In a rare civil gesture, he met the incoming presi- dent- elect on the eve of his inauguration and showed him around the presidential residence. He is also now massaging and lulling his party to cool down and accept defeat. Despite his stance, the party insists on going to court to challenge the election results.

John Atta Mills who is the new president also deserves praise. Though he had lost in two previous elections, he never gave up or resorted to violence as a means to change government. His first message upon winning was, "The time has come to work together to build a better Ghana. I assure Ghanaians that I will be a president for all."

In addition, he recognized his rivals and spoke well about them.

Hopefully Atta Mills can succeed in making Ghana a better country for all, and give exemplary leadership not just to Ghanaians, but to the rest of Africa.