President Mahama lays wreath in honour of late President Atta Mills
President John Dramani Mahama has laid a wreath at Asomdwee Park in Accra in honour of the late President John Evans Atta Mills as the nation marked the 14th anniversary of his passing.
The ceremony brought together the widow of the late President, Mrs Ernestina Naadu Mills, members of the Mills family, government officials, members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), traditional leaders and other dignitaries to pay tribute to the former Head of State.
Addressing the gathering on Friday, President Mahama said the annual ceremony was not only an occasion to remember the late President but also an opportunity to renew the nation’s gratitude for a life devoted to serving Ghana.
“Every year, we return to this quiet place, Asomdwee Park, not merely to lay wreaths, but to renew our gratitude for a life that enriched and strengthened our nation,” he said.
The President said although time softened grief, it also sharpened memory, noting that fourteen years after Professor Mills’ passing, Ghanaians continued to remember him not only as a President but as a man whose character defined his leadership.
He described Professor Mills as a leader who earned respect through humility, integrity and compassion, saying he proved that one could occupy the highest office of the land without losing one’s humanity.
President Mahama, who served as Vice President under Professor Mills, recalled that beyond Cabinet meetings and official engagements, he came to know a leader who listened more than he spoke, reflected before acting and never allowed the demands of office to diminish his concern for ordinary Ghanaians.
He said the late President’s leadership was anchored in conscience and remained an enduring example of principled public service.
The President observed that at a time when public discourse was increasingly marked by division and impatience, the life of Professor Mills reminded leaders that history judged them not by the loudness of their voices or the bitterness of political contests, but by the depth of their convictions and the impact of their service.
President Mahama said the greatest tribute Ghanaians could pay to the late President was not through speeches or annual ceremonies but by living the principles he cherished, including integrity in public life, respect for democratic institutions, tolerance of differing views and compassion for the vulnerable.
He said Professor Mills’ vision of a peaceful, just and prosperous Ghana remained unfinished and called on all citizens to work together to realise that aspiration.
President Mahama also pledged to continue drawing inspiration from the leadership of his predecessor.
“I pledge to the memory of President John Evans Atta Mills that I shall continue to walk in the footsteps he left behind,” he stated.
He expressed the nation’s gratitude to Mrs Ernestina Naadu Mills and the Mills family for sharing with Ghana a leader whose example continued to inspire generations.
President Mahama urged future generations to appreciate that true greatness was often quiet, genuine strength was humble and enduring leadership was measured by service rather than acclaim.
Professor John Evans Atta Mills served as President of Ghana from January 2009 until his death on July 24, 2012. He is remembered for his commitment to constitutional rule, peace and national unity.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
