John Atta Mills

In Ghana, 64-year-old John Atta Mills, leader of the opposition, defeated Ghana's ruling party candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo. Ghana's December 11, 2008 election was inconclusive but Atta Mills won Sundat's second round ballot by capturing 50.23 percent of the vote. Ghana remains one of the few African countries to successfully transfer presidential power twice from legitimate leaders. Albuquerque Journal: Opposition leader wins presidency in Ghana

Atta Mills officially took office on January 7, 2009. Tens of thousands of people attended the inauguration at Ghana's Independence Square. At his inauguration, Atta Mills made strides to set a positive tone for his administration saying, "Honesty, fairness, compassion and sincerity will be the hallmark of my administration. I have no wish to carry out political vendetta of any kind."Associated Press: Ghana president takes office... (January 7, 2009)

• "I hope and pray that the spirit with which the election has been fought and won will be nurtured and promoted not only in Ghana, but also in West Africa. Congratulations, Mr. President-elect," said President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua This Day: Atta-Mills Emerges Ghana’s New President

• 'I want to assure all Ghanaians that I will be president to all," Atta Mills told supporters World News: Ghana's New President Pledges Unity