President John Dramani Mahama has penned an emotional tribute to his late predecessor, Professor John Evans Atta Mills, marking 13 years since the passing of the former President.
In a statement shared on his official Facebook page, President Mahama described Atta Mills as “a rare breed of leader” whose humility, integrity, and devotion to peace left an indelible mark on Ghana’s political history.
“For many of us, the void he left on July 24, 2012, remains deeply felt, a testament to his profound impact on our nation and our hearts,” Mahama wrote.
Professor Mills, who died while serving as president, is widely remembered for his calm temperament, deep religious faith, and unwavering commitment to ethical leadership. He served as Ghana’s third president under the Fourth Republic from 2009 until his untimely death in 2012.
Mahama, who served as Vice President under Mills, reflected on his mentor’s leadership style, recalling how even in moments of intense provocation, Mills remained grounded in grace and guided by a moral compass.
“He never allowed power to change who he was; he remained, until his final breath, a servant of the people, a man of peace, a man of God, and a man of Ghana.”
President Mahama called on Ghanaians to go beyond ceremonial remembrance and embrace the values Atta Mills stood for, justice, reconciliation, accountability, and compassion.
“To truly honour his memory, it is not enough to lay wreaths or sing his praises. The greatest tribute we can give Professor Mills is to carry forward his values,” he added.
As the nation paused to remember the late leader, Mahama also extended condolences to the Mills family and urged the public to recommit to building the Ghana Atta Mills envisioned, one grounded in unity and ethical leadership.
“To Professor Mills, our father, our leader, our teacher, rest well. You are gone from our sight, but never from our hearts,” Mahama concluded.
