Ghana Athletics Association Mourns Mills

THE GHANA ATHLETICS ASSOCIATION MOURNS PRESIDENT MILLS

The Ghana Athletics Association (GAA), like all else was stunned by the news of the sudden death of the President of the Republic of Ghana, Professor John Evans Atta Mills, which occurred at the 37 Military Hospital on Tuesday 23rd July, 2012.

On behalf of the athletics fraternity in Ghana, the GAA would like to express its profound sorrow at his Excellency's death and extend our sincere sympathy to his family and entire people of Ghana.

Certainly, this is a great loss to the nation. The President was such a selfless and dedicated leader who had served our country in various capacities during his lifetime: among other capacities, he served as the Commissioner of Internal Revenue, Law professor, Chairman of the Black Star's Management Committee, and ultimately as Vice President and then President. The first gentleman's honesty and peace loving nature cannot be surpassed.

He was the consummate sportsman, and to our sport, athletics, he brought so many changes in recent times. Most recently, it was under his patronage that the GAA organized the first-ever international grand prix competition in Ghana. He was likewise very instrumental in Ghana's hosting of the very successful ECOWAS games last month. Beyond his support for the GAA's activities, his contributions to Ghana sport in general, even in his all too short tenure, were significant. Arguably most central was his role in resolving the conflict in the Ghana Olympic Committee; it was his open posture with the IOC, his conversations with their president, and his invitation to them to come to Ghana that set the ball rolling towards a resolution. Ghana Athletics has lost its number 1 fan! Ghana sport has lost its number 1 patron! Ghana has lost its number! We shall forever remember you, Professor John Evans Atta Mills, your Excellency. We shall forever remember you! Rest in perfect peace!

Bawah, Fuseini

Secretary General

Ghana Athletics Association