'Let's rededicate ourselves to the ideals of Prez Mills'

President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaians to rededicate themselves to the principles that his predecessor, the late President John Evans Atta Mills stood for.

He said at the wreath-laying ceremony in honour of the late president that the occasion should be used to relive the nature of the late professor who was an epitome of peace and social justice.

He said although the sudden death of the late president left Ghanaians humbled and speechless, it caused us to re-evaluate the harshness, the scorn and cynicism with which he was often treated in his attempt to recapture the fellow-feeling and ethical values that had kept Ghana united for generations.

Irrespective of the treatment which was meted to him, President Mahama recalled that the late President Mills stood by his vision to build a country of a united people devoid of deep-seated partisan interest, while being a father for all and developing Ghana into a country of equal opportunities without regard to partisan, tribal, religious or any other considerations.

“President Mills was such a leader who demonstrated that decency has a place in our politics,” he said.

The wreath-laying ceremony was also attended by the wife of the late president, Dr Ernestina Naadu Mills, Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, former President Jerry John Rawlings, Chief of Defense Staff; Vice Admiral Mathew Quashie, Chief Justice Georgina Theodora Wood, Director General of Police Administration, COP Rose Atinga Bio and the Speaker of Parliament, Edward Doe Adjaho.

President Mahama also entreated Ghanaians to be inspired by the legacy of the late president and resolve to be instruments of positive change in Ghana and beyond.

He said, “One of the most endearing images we have of Professor Mills was his vision of seeing Ghana as a beacon lighting the path for the whole of Africa and yet paradoxically Prof Mills himself has been a beacon for Ghana, Africa and the rest of the world.”

“His light continues to shine, his legacy lives on, inspiring us, guiding us, prompting us to join hands in building this priced nation that he so selflessly dedicated himself to. We as a people must continue to build from where he left off.”

Honouring the memory of the late president, President Mahama noted that he would be missed as a leader, a comrade, a devoted father, a compassionate elder brother, an outstanding scholar, a teacher and an ardent believer.

“Indeed we miss the late president…On behalf of the entire country I pray that the Good Lord continues to grant you a deserved rest,” he concluded.

President John Dramani Mahama laid the first wreath on behalf of the government and people of Ghana whiles Dr Ernestina Naadu Mills laid the second wreath in memory of her beloved husband.

Dr Cadman Mills, a brother of the late President supported by Samuel Kofi Mills, son of the late President laid the third wreath on behalf of the family.

The fourth wreath was laid by the Speaker of Parliament, Mr Doe Adjaho on behalf the Legislature whiles Chief Justice Georgina T. Woode laid one on behalf of the Judiciary.


The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Vice Admiral Mathew Quarshie laid one on behalf of the security services whiles the Osu Mantse, Nii Okwei Kinka Dowuona VI laid one as the landlord of Asomdwee Park.