President John Dramani Mahama yesterday joined citizens from all walks of life at the Asomdwe Park in Accra to mark the 13th anniversary of the passing of former President John Evans Atta Mills.
Under the serene shade of trees at the park, the final resting place of the late leader, the atmosphere was solemn as tributes poured in for the man remembered as a beacon of peace, humility and integrity in the nation’s political history.
Clad in a white and black attire fabric, President Mahama stood before the mourners, who included government officials, traditional leaders, the clergy and family members of the late president, to deliver a heartfelt speech to honour Prof. Mills’ enduring legacy.
Prominent among the gathering was the Vice-President, Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang; the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, and the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Aseidu Nketiah.
Values
President Mahama, who served as Prof. Mills’ Vice-President, painted a vivid picture of the leader who governed with quiet strength, moral clarity and an unwavering commitment to peace.
The Asomdwee Park
“He was not loud; he was not flamboyant. He believed leadership should be lived, not performed.
“Thirteen years may have passed, but for many of us, the pain of Prof. Mills’ departure remains fresh. His sudden transition on July 24, 2012, left not only a deep vacuum in our political and national life, but also in the hearts of those who knew him,” he said.
President Mahama also recounted how the late President prioritised the vulnerable, resisted political vendettas, and upheld ethical leadership even in the face of betrayal.
“He responded to provocation not with anger, but with grace. He never allowed power to change who he was,” he added.
Advice
President Mahama urged citizens to move beyond ceremonial tributes and instead, embody the values Prof. Mills stood for.
“The most authentic tribute we can give is to rekindle the spirit of humility, accountability and ethical leadership he exemplified,” he said.
The President emphasised that Prof. Mills’ belief in justice, fairness and service should guide current leaders, particularly in a time of economic hardship and social division.
“In a world increasingly loud and careless with truth, his life reminds us of the power of stillness, strength in gentleness and quiet conviction,” he said.
Ceremony
The wreath-laying ceremony at Asomdwe Park, a tranquil space adorned with flowers and the national colours, was punctuated by solemn hymns and moments of silence.
The park, named after Prof. Mills’ famous mantra, “Asomdwehene” (King of Peace), served as a poignant backdrop for the occasion.
President Mahama described the site as more than a burial ground but a “living reminder of what our politics can and must become,” adding that “it calls on us to lower our voices, elevate our purpose, and remember that true leadership is measured by lives touched, not slogans”.
The President acknowledged the Mills family, assuring them that they shared in their loss, and assured them of renovating the JEA Mills Memorial Library in Cape Coast.
“Your grief is ours. We will continue to walk with you in keeping his memory alive,” he said.
To the nation, the President said: “Let us recommit to the Ghana Professor Mills believed in, a Ghana united in diversity, strong in values, and anchored in peace.”