As vitriolic as elections go in the US, they usually result in bloodless changes in leadership. Not so in much of the world, especially in Africa.

That is why Ghana’s new presidency deserves global attention: John Atta Mills has just been sworn in as the third President of the fourth republic. The first, Jerry Rawlins, came to power violently, was lawfully reelected until 2001; the second, John Kufour has just conceded defeat.

This is no trifling matter, because peaceful successions of power lend legitimacy to the system that produces them, in this case national elections. Legitimacy, in turn, breeds stability at many levels of society.

So, congratulations, Ghana. You've accomplished what many nations can only dream of; may the decency of your elections extend to your daily life as well.

Check out, meanwhile, GHAFES, Ghana Fellowship of Evangelical Students.

[photo credit: John Atta Mills' campaign website]