“We also congratulate President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress for handling the outcome of the elections graciously and with a high sense of maturity.

“The task of nation building and national reconstruction has always been an onerous undertaking. It has never been easy, neither in the past, nor will it be now,” the GhIS said in a statement signed by Mr Emmanuel Martey, its President, and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra.

The GhIS also commended all those who contested in both the presidential and parliamentary elections. “We have, as a people, again proved to the whole world that we are a special nation with a magnificent destiny upon us. The greatness of our nation is unfolding gradually and systematically, and there are great signs that we are marching steadily towards the glorious unveiling of the fullness of that destiny.

“It is so clear that in this fourth republic, Ghana has got it right with our elections and electoral processes. Never mind if there were apprehensions prior to all our elections. The apprehensions only lead us to put the right structures in place for wonderful results,” he said.

The Institution of Surveyors also commended the Chairman of the Electoral Commission and their numerous staff who were deployed to man the over 29,000 polling stations as well as the political parties, security agencies, the various observer groups, and the Ghanaian voter. “All these people formed a great team and worked together to deliver a splendid result for the homeland. The GhIS salutes all and render our heartfelt congratulations.

 “We must expect to have more difficult challenges because among other things, our population is increasing and the proportion of young people is high, therefore, there will be the need to cater adequately for them.

“If we can see these challenges properly as opportunities for growth, then we can confront the inadequacies threatening the nation such as inadequate electricity and water supply, unemployment, post-harvest losses, accommodation challenges, and corruption,” the statement said.

It called on the President-Elect to be guided by God to choose capable men and women who would form a strong team to continue the nation building effort. “As citizens we must also commit ourselves to working hard and maintaining some reasonable level of consistency so as to move to the next level and collectively enjoy the fruits of our endeavours.

“Ghana must shine in the comity of nations not only as a good example in conducting elections but advancing in all spheres of human endeavor,” the statement said. It called on Ghanaians to rise up to continue the good works of the outgoing government and improve the areas that need attention.The statement challenged Ghanaians to come to terms with the continuous deteriorating language in national discourse and urged the incoming government to tackle this head on.

 “Our national politics must be known for decency, words well-chosen and carefully thought of, as we find ways to build our country. Again, the nation as a matter of urgency must address all essential requirements about land,” it said.