Tribute to President Prof. John Evans Atta Mills

I am sure that if people are asked to describe Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, one person out of every two Ghanaians on the street will use some of these words to describe, the just demised president of the Republic of Ghana: God Fearing, Peace Lover, Humble, Calm and Modest.

I never had any personal interaction with President Mills. In fact the closest distance that I had with him, was when he was Candidate of the NDC in the 2008 Election. He had come to the Large Lecture Theatre of the University of Cape Coast to speak to students and ask for our votes. At the time, I was the SRC President and as I received all other candidates who wanted to come, I equally received Prof. Mills and granted seat on the stage with him as he addressed the Students of the University of Cape Coast in the Large Lecture.

He spoke very eloquently about how education he wanted education to be in Ghana, and I remember one sentence he made which has always been on my mind. ‘Education must be responsive to the exigencies of today’.

He has not been in the best of my books when it comes to his style of leadership and his political demeanour but I have always admired his personal humility, Peace loving stature and most importantly his perseverance spirit. He inspires me a lot because he consistently focused on his dream of becoming a President for almost a decade and eventually achieved it. This is really the result of persistence and i wish to salute the president for this.

Admittedly, Prof. Mills has exhibited some level of maturity and level headedness that demand commendation by all in spite of our political, religious or tribal colours. He is one President who suffered so many criticisms on his person and administration, yet I cannot cite a single example of a publication that suggests that President Mills has replied some of his critics with a negative word.

He was a man of peace, he loved Ghana, and in spite of his apparent health deterioration in his last days, he was always hopeful of a better future for Ghana. He executed his duty with love, passion and excitement that surprised excited hope at all times.  

I find it interesting than just a mere coincidence that on 24^th July 2012 when I decided, after thinking for  weeks, to write a book and call it ‘A TRIBUTE TO THE DEATH OF COMMON SENSE IN MY SOCIETY', It was also announce in that afternoon that we have lost a man who represented a colossus of common sense.

I deem it fit to continue this book and dedicate it to the common people of Ghana. I think we have lost a man who represents Common Sense.  His Victory as President in 2008 tells me that persistence pays. His attitude tells me that Humility is paramount if we are seeking peace. His death humbles me and reminds me that no man will escape the natural phenomenon of death and so we should be mindful of our self aggrandisement.

May your humble soul rest in the bosom of God

May we meet again in Heaven one day.

Rest in Peace Prof. John Evans Atta Mills

Richard Nii Amarh (Nana Yaw Nkunim)

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