Ghana's President John Atta Mills has met with U.S. President Barack Obama at the White House, during which Mr. Obama praised the “good news” emerging from Ghana.

Mr. Obama told reporters after the meeting that President Mills has shown a commitment to expose corruption and increase transparency, making the democratically run country a “wonderful economic success story in Africa.”

The two leaders emphasized that their nations are committed to the democratic process.

“Regardless of who wins and who loses, our countries' commitment to ensuring that people have a voice in determining who represents them in their government is what gives both our countries such strength.”

Mr. Mills said it is important to ensure peace in order to encourage development.

“There can be no development without peace, which means we should do the things that ensure there is peace.”

The visit comes just days after Ghana celebrated its 55th anniversary of independence and two years after Mr. Obama visited Ghana on his first visit to sub-Saharan Africa as president.

The U.S. president said he went to Ghana to highlight its democratic track record.

Ghana was the first black African country, south of the Sahara, to gain independence from Britain.

President Mills is seeking re-election in December.