Veep calls for nation to celebrate life of President Mills

Vice President Paa Kwesi Amissah-Arthur on Sunday called on Ghanaians not to feel sorry about the death of late President John Evans Atta Mills, but rather celebrate his life, which was well-lived.

He said even though his death was a big blow to the nation, the best way to honour the late President was to live in peace as he (late President Mills) had always desired and preached.

The Vice President gave the advice at a memorial and thanksgiving service held for the late President at the Wesley Methodist Cathedral in Cape Coast to round-off his funeral rites.

The Service was attended by hundreds of people from all walks of life including Ms Hannah Tetteh, Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr. Ebo Barto Odro, Member of Parliament for Cape Coast and Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice and Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom, flagbearer of the Progressive Peoples’ Party (PPP).

Others present were the Central Regional Minister, Mrs. Ama Benyiwa-Doe, some other members of Parliament, the siblings and family members of the late President and his son, Samuel Kofi Atta-Mills. Chiefs, queens and representatives of the National Democratic Congress and other political parties also attended the Service.

The colours black and white were dominant at the solemn Service, which was held simultaneously in all 15 cathedrals of the church across the country. Besides, cladding in white and black, some worshipers wore red wrist bands.

Solemn hymns and dirges were sung to intersperse scripture readings and prayers for the soul of the departed President. A representative of the late President’s family read his biography.

Vice President Amissah-Arthur, who was accompanied by his wife, Mrs Matilda Amissah-Arthur, recalled how a white dove landed on the vehicle of Dr. Mrs. Naadu Mills, wife of the late President, during the burial service on Friday, August 10th in Accra, saying it signified the peace Professor Mills left with the nation.

He described late Prof. Mills as a peace-loving man, who prayed for his enemies even when they abused him, and did not take “an eye for an eye”.

He was glad that many people had resolved to live the exemplary life of late Prof. Mills.

The Vice President extended Government’s gratitude to the congregation as well as the entire nation for their immense support during the funeral and burial rites of the late President.

Right Reverend Nicholas Asane, Bishop of the Cape Coast Diocese, who delivered the sermon, said the late President had lived a good life and that God remembers and honours those who are righteous before him.

He said Prof. Atta-Mills walked closely with Jesus Christ and prayed to God for eternal rest for his soul.

He advised Ghanaians to eschew vices such as insults, dirty politics, bitterness, abusive language, slander and rather walk closely with God and desire to live in peace since it was the best the nation could do in honour of Prof. Atta-Mills’ memory.

A tribute from the Wesley Methodist Cathedral said the late President was a Methodist, who contributed immensely to the growth and well-being of the church in diverse ways and also exhibited humility, peace-loving as well as generosity and wished him eternal rest.

Rt. Rev. Dr. Kwaku Asamoah-Otchere, Administrative Bishop, who read a tribute on behalf of the Methodist Church of Ghana, described Prof. Atta-Mills as a great son of the church, who served his God, church and nation diligently and was greatly honoured to have associated with him.

Dr. Cadman Atta Mills, brother of the late President, on behalf of the family expressed gratitude to the Government, Funeral Planning Committee, the Methodist Church and the entire country for the befitting funeral and burial ceremonies given to the late Professor John Evans Atta Mills.**