To Our Former President: An Ode

To Our Former President: H.E Prof John Evans Atta-Mills; An Ode

H.E Professor John Evans Atta-Mills: born in 1944 on the 21st day July

Called to eternal rest in 2012 on the 24th day of July

Humble, genuine with a pleasant mien

You were the gentleman’s gentleman

Our eyes weep and our hearts bleed

Our President, dear Lord, let your angels lead.

Sorrow abounds

And our despair knows no bounds.

Our smile has been replaced with frown

For death has stolen our crown

Our hearts have been savagely pierced

Ghana’s gaping wound has been callously bruised

An academician par excellence

A beacon of hope and an example to those who dream of academic excellence

You were kind-hearted, selfless, humble and affable

Your academic achievements were unmatchable

You were a dedicated a father and husband

A man of principle and a proud family man

Why couldn’t the good Professor wait a little bit longer?

Should our President be in such haste to go up yonder?

You served your country with distinction

Now that you are gone, your kind is sadly in extinction.

Whence cometh another of the Professor’s kind?

Oh God, hear Ghana’s prayer and be so kind!

A learned Professor, you served the academia selflessly

You were fair, without prejudice and dealt with issues diligently.

You cut across tribal lines, gender and religion

And were loved by the young and old in every region.

Yeah, your standards were so high

Foes and detractors could not get nigh.

So now you’ve gone up on high

Why wouldn’t Ghanaians sigh?

You were extremely patriotic

And a worthy compatriot

You served your country conscientiously

And discharged your responsibilities judiciously!

Your loyalty to your beloved country was unquestionable

Dedication and commitment to Mother Ghana’s democracy was undeniable.

If “the world is a stage”, you played your part flawlessly

And so deserve to ascend to your maker effortlessly.

People of Otuam will miss you bitterly

But every tribe in the country, north to the south; east to west will miss you sorely.

It’s true your departure has created a vacuum in your family

But the chasm is even bigger politically.

No doubt Mrs Naadu Mills and Fiifi Juniour loved you

Yes the National Democratic Congress cherished you

But to Ghanaians of every political divide, you were a jewel and treasure

You contributed beyond measure.

Prof, we would’ve wished you stayed a little bit longer

Human and mortal as we are, we thought we loved you better.

Nay, God Almighty loves you best

And so long may you rest.

You faced your illness squarely

And fought death courageously

Alas, a true patriot is gone

Oh how I wish a million words could compose you a song.

Your departure has left us an immense hurt

So you’ll forever remain in our hearts

Our loss is the heavens gain

In your absence, we’ll keep nursing our pain

So fare thee well the meek one

Go home for a deserved rest; Ghana’s faithful son

You gave us service of quality

So may you find eternal rest in the bosom of the ALMIGHTY!

Da Yie, H.E Professor John Evans Fiifi Atta-Mills!!

Onyame mfa wo nko fie!!!

NB: Sections of this poem reflected in one I did for the late Major Retired Courage Quashigah in 2010.

Kofi Kyei-Mensah-Osei