Today-in-History: Professor Evans Atta Mills dies

Exactly 12 years ago on July 24, 2012, Ghanaians were thrown into a state of mourning, sorrow and utter shock after news of the demise of former president John Evans Atta Mills hit the airwaves.

Shortly after falling ill, the late Prof. Evans Atta Mills was rushed to the 37 Military Hospital in Accra for treatment but shortly passed away.

He was reportedly suffering from throat cancer at the time.

His death affected many Ghanaians, both young and old, other political figures from the continent and beyond because he was the first serving and sitting president to pass away at post in the country’s history.

Many, who were in doubt, besieged the premises of the 37 Military Hospital when the news broke.

The death of Prof Atta Mills occurred 3 days after he celebrated his 68th birthday and only a few months before completing his first term of office.

A state funeral from 8-10 August 2012 was held where his body laid in state. His burial service was touted as one of the biggest ever.

In a military procession through some principal streets of Accra, Ghanaians clad in traditional and customary black and red attires followed the convoy of the late president to pay their last respects and bid him farewell in a video posted by EDHUB.

Known as a peacemaker, Prof. Mills was credited for overseeing the country's large oil production since December 2010.

An annual memorial lecture has since been instituted in his memory.

watch video below;

On Tuesday, July 24, exactly 12 years ago today, President John Evans Atta-Mills passed away after being rushed to the 37 Military Hospital in Accra, sending shockwaves across Ghana and beyond.

This occurred three days after his 68th birthday and only a few months before… pic.twitter.com/4vf0P6kNsg

— EDHUB🌍ℹ (@eddie_wrt) July 24, 2024