On Monday, a wreath-laying ceremony was performed at Accra’s Asomdwee Park to mark the 11th anniversary of former President John Evans Atta Mills’ death.
The momentous occasion drew the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, as well as several National Democratic Congress (NDC) bigwigs, including former President and NDC flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama.
The occasion was also attended by the NDC’s National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, as well as the Board Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the J.E.A. Mills Memorial Heritage, Alex Segbefia, and Nana Oye Bampoe Addo.
Others were former Information Minister Kofi Totobi Quakyi, former Speaker of Parliament Edward Doe Adjaho, past and present MPs, Fifi Fiavi Kwettey, General Secretary of the NDC, and Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, Leader of the Minority group in Parliament.
The remainder were former NDC Director of Elections Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, former National Women’s Organiser Anita De Sosoo, and Korle Klottey MP Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, among others.
Former President Mills’ son, Samuel Kofi Atta Mills, was also present.
Wreath-laying ceremony
Six wreaths were placed in all. Mr Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, lay the first wreath on behalf of Parliament and MPs.
The others were set by the MP for Krowor, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, on behalf of the Widow, Mrs Ernestina Naadu Mills; Mr Mahama, who was accompanied by Ms Joyce Bawah Mogtari; the Atta Mills family; Mr Nketia on behalf of the NDC; and some JEAMMH members to mark the event.
While the wreath-laying ritual was taking place, the Living Choir in Accra played a variety of relaxing melodies.
Very Reverend Dr Dominic Dadzie, Director of International Missions for the Methodist Church Ghana and Superintendent Minister of the Ashongman Circuit delivered the sermon.
A minute of silence was held in honour of the late President, followed by the sounding of a siren to commemorate the 11th anniversary of Mills’ death.
Prayers were held for the late Mills’ whole family.
Legacy
Mr Mahama used the opportunity to promote the characteristics of the late Mills, urging Ghanaians to imitate his sterling character and leadership style, stating that “as we mourn his death, let us also celebrate his life and achievements.”
He said that the late Mills represented selflessness, humility, tolerance for opposing viewpoints, being a peacemaker, unifier par excellence, and Godliness.
“Prof, as we fondly called him, was a distinguished man who served his country with the utmost integrity and humility while building a better Ghana for all, not just a few,” Mr Mahama said, adding, “We still bear the deep scars of pain all these years and are unlikely to forget how we felt on that fateful 24th July 2012.”
He went on to say that the late Mills’ legacy of socioeconomic progress, prosperity, peace, and tolerance for differing viewpoints will continue to inspire many people.
Achievements
Mr Mahama praised his achievements, saying, “Here lies a man who governed this country with sensitivity and humility and oversaw our economy with great skill.” It was no surprise that under his leadership, the country achieved its highest-ever GDP growth rate of 14.4%, with the majority of this increase coming from the real sector rather than oil.”
The NDC Presidential candidate stated that the late Mills held the record for the longest sustained period of single-digit inflation, emphasising that “in his days almost all key economic indicators were pointing in the right direction” in comparison to the current economic challenges.
“As chairman of his Economic Management Team, I can attest to his sterling leadership that resulted in these accomplishments,” Mr Mahama said.
The event was co-organized by the NDC and the J.E.A Mills Memorial Heritage.
