Though Mills was ailing; his death was shocking – Mahama

As millions of Ghanaians commemorate the one year anniversary of the death of former President John Evans Atta Mills, his successor, John Dramani Mahama, has underscored his demise as "shocking... even though we had known he was ailing".

President John Mahama made the above remark in a tribute to observe the one year of the passing of President Mills, who died at age 68.

"We miss him," he stated solemnly in his statement.

He recalled how the nation came together and united in mourning the man he worked under as a vice-president.

"We came together and gave him a fitting farewell. The international community solidarised with us, and several heads of state came here to join us in the funeral."

One thing you cannot take away from Professor Atta Mills, love him or hate him, was that he was a man of peace, President Mahama asserted. This trait earned him the accolade the “Asomdwehene” meaning ‘man of peace’.

"Indeed peace is the brand that Ghana has to offer. The fact that Ghana is peaceful, safe and secure is one of the brands that give us a comparative advantage in a competitive sub-region and that are why investors prefer to put in their investment here in Ghana above other West African countries because we are an oasis of peace and security. And so with Prof’s passing away this became more relevant ever than before."

The president pointed out that even after his death, the country had a peaceful election which was "acclaimed by the international community and everybody as probably one of the most peaceful elections held in the country".

He, however, added, "Unfortunately after the elections, we have had a dispute with regard to the elections, which the Supreme Court is adjudicating and so it means that Professor Mills’ message of peace is still relevant now than ever before."

Nevertheless, President Mahama said he was happy that organisations like the Peace Council, the NCCE, traditional rulers and civil society are holding several events to let people understand that the adjudication by the Supreme Court is a part of our democratic governance.

"And that whatever verdict the court comes up with we should be prepared as a nation to accept," he counseled.

He wants all to be reminded that Ghana is "bigger than all of us and that this country will continue to exist long after we have all gone", and assured that "government will do everything possible to ensure that the safety and security of Ghana is guaranteed".

The committee that is responsible for the first anniversary has started a series of activities including a choral concert. The activities will continue until the weekend climaxing with some functions that will take place in Cape Coast, and a thanksgiving ceremony in Cape Coast.