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Tag: Atta Mills

  • You would have been in jail by now if Atta Mills’ Ghost existed – Napo replies Mahama

    You would have been in jail by now if Atta Mills’ Ghost existed – Napo replies Mahama

    Running mate for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2024 presidential candidate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has addressed a recent comment made by John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

    Mahama had remarked that if Ghana’s first president, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, were alive, he would have slapped Dr. Opoku Prempeh, commonly known as NAPO, for a statement he made regarding Nkrumah.

    “If Nkrumah had a ghost, he would have slapped NAPO,” Mahama said during a rally.

    However, speaking during a campaign event in Adugyama, located in the Ahafo Ano South East constituency of the Ashanti Region, Dr. Prempeh countered Mahama’s comment, asserting that if the late former president, Professor John Evans Atta Mills, had a ghost, Mahama would have been in jail.

    “If Mills had a ghost, John Mahama would be in jail by now.”

    His remark was met with enthusiastic applause from the gathered audience.

    Dr. Prempeh is currently on a campaign tour across the Ashanti Region, promoting the NPP’s message of “Selfless Leadership and Bold Solutions for the Future.”

    During his interactions, he has been highlighting what he describes as the poor performance of the John Mahama administration.

    “We have a President, John Mahama, under whose watch Ghanaians slept in darkness for four years, but he thinks Ghanaians have forgotten about this record,” Dr. Prempeh stated.

    Dr. Prempeh underscored that the NPP’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia,is the most capable leader to protect and advance key initiatives like the Free Senior High School program.

    As part of his campaign efforts, Dr. Prempeh plans to visit all 47 constituencies in the Ashanti Region, with the goal of rallying support in the party’s stronghold and driving a significant voter turnout on election day.

  • NPP paid Koku Anyidoho to cause confusion during Atta Mills’ commemoration – Brother

    NPP paid Koku Anyidoho to cause confusion during Atta Mills’ commemoration – Brother

    Samuel Atta Mills, brother of late former president John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills, has blamed the New Patriotic Party (NPP), for the chaos that occurred during the wreath-laying ceremony to mark 12 years Atta Mills’ passing.

    The event which took place on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at Asomdwee Park was marred by an altercation between the former deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Koku Anyidoho and Ataa Mills’ family.

    Speaking to Onua TV, Samuel Atta-Mills who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Komenda Edina Eguafo Abrem constituency in the Central Region alleged that the ruling government paid former NDC Deputy General Secretary Koku Anyidoho to incite his actions during the ceremony

    “Prof Atta Mills has worked with a lot of people, from his childhood till his death. Koku Anyidoho is making things difficult for our family. That guy’s attitude must be checked. What happened is that we had gone to J.A Mills Heritage for a permit to Asomdwe park for a ceremony. Apparently he had also gone for a permit. We planned on starting ours at 9 am to 11 am and his was 6-7am. As of 7am he had not set up yet refused to vacate the area for my family and I to take over. It’s the NPP that is giving him money to misbehave. 

    Koku Anyidoho, according to late Atta Mills’ brother, exceeded a scheduled time at the venue, delaying the second event at the same venue to mark 12 years since President Mills’ passing. 

    The second event, Mr Samuel Atta-Mills was by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the J.E.A. Mills Memorial Heritage.

    Meanwhile, the sister of late Atta Mills, has called the incident “ugly and disgusting.”

    She emphasized that those present at the earlier ceremony were not their relatives.

    The family has hinted at filing an injunction at the court to prevent Koku Anyidoho from using the late President’s name for his activities.

    “When we came he was here with a rented family, so we just gave him a little bit of encouragement to get out of here and he ran away like the coward that he is.

    “The next move is to put an injunction on him for using the name Atta Mills, he’s not Atta Mills and he will never be Atta Mills and that’s what it is,” the brother of the late President said.

  • Family to bar Koku Anyidoho from using Atta Mills’ name

    Family to bar Koku Anyidoho from using Atta Mills’ name

    The family of the late Professor John Evans Atta Mills is set to seek a court injunction against CEO of the Atta Mills Institute, Koku Anyidoho, to prevent him from using the late President’s name for his activities.

    The family accuses Anyidoho of tarnishing the reputation of the former President.

    Following a disruption at the wreath-laying ceremony marking 12 years since President Mills’ passing at the Asomdwee Park, Samuel Atta Mills, the late President’s brother, expressed the family’s frustration with Anyidoho.

    He condemned Anyidoho for tampering with Prof. Atta Mills’ grave without the family’s consent.

    “When we came he was here with a rented family, so we just gave him a little bit of encouragement to get out of here and he ran away like the coward that he is.

    “The next move is to put an injunction on him for using the name Atta Mills, he’s not Atta Mills and he will never be Atta Mills and that’s what it is,” the brother of the late President said.

    Meanwhile, Nii Lante Vanderpuye, the Member of Parliament for Odododiodoo, has criticized the state for allowing Koku Anyidoho, the former aide to the late President, to hold a remembrance event for him.

    “Auntie Araba [Mercy Araba Ahema Quarshie] is a direct senor sister of Prof Atta Mills, Cadman Atta Mills is alive, Samuel Atta Mills is alive, the son, Kofi Atta Mills is alive. And people will come and say they are the family of Prof. Atta Mills and they are coming to perform the remembrance and national security and the whole state apparatus will permit them to do that. When for years now, the state has recognised the fact that the NDC and the family have collaborated to organise such situations.

    “When his memorial heritage was launched former President Kufuor sent a delegation, the presidency sent a delegation, so the presidency cannot say that they are not aware of the existence of the memorial heritage or the annual celebration of Prof Atta Mills’ memory by the NDC and the heritage,” Nii Lante Vanderpuye asserted.

    On Wednesday, Asomdwee Park witnessed chaos when the former deputy general secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) overran his allotted time, delaying the second memorial service for President Atta Mills’ family and NDC members.

    Previously, the family had accused Mr. Anyidoho of bringing individuals to falsely present themselves as relatives of the late President during his wreath-laying ceremony.

  • Atta Mills was a man who epitomized truth and honesty – Mahama

    Atta Mills was a man who epitomized truth and honesty – Mahama

    The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, has honored his late former boss, President John Evans Atta Mills, with a heartfelt tribute.

    In a Facebook post on Wednesday, July 24, marking the 12th anniversary of President Mills’ passing, Mahama lauded him as a true nation-builder who prioritized unity and the nation’s well-being over personal or political interests.

    Mahama, who served as Vice President under Mills, highlighted the former President’s integrity and dedication.

    He recalled that Mills was the first to voluntarily reduce his own salary to demonstrate solidarity with the economic struggles faced by Ghanaians when they assumed office in 2009, succeeding the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    “My boss, President John Evans Atta Mills, was a selfless leader. He prioritised the needs of the nation over personal and political gain. When he took over from the NPP government, he was the first to cut his own salary as a sincere gesture to show solidarity with the economic hardships faced by many Ghanaians.

    “He was passionate about lifting the vulnerable and duly allocated resources to social welfare programmes. He was a man who epitomised truth and honesty.

    “From his life in Academia to his time as the IRS Commissioner, to becoming Vice President.

    And throughout his presidency, he lived as he preached—transparently! His reputation for integrity was widespread nationally and internationally. Forever in our hearts, Professor Mills,” he wrote.

  • We will deal with Anyidoho, he has stepped on the wrong foot – Atta Mills’ sister

    We will deal with Anyidoho, he has stepped on the wrong foot – Atta Mills’ sister

    Sister of the late President John Evans Atta Mills, Mercy Araba Ahema Quarshie, has vehemently criticized Koku Anyidoho, the dismissed deputy general secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), for his actions related to the former president’s grave.

    Speaking at the 12th-anniversary memorial service, Madam Quarshie expressed her strong disapproval of Mr. Anyidoho’s unauthorized tampering with Prof. Atta Mills’ grave without the family’s consent.

    “I want to make it clear to everyone that Koku Anyidoho has stepped on the wrong foot by tampering with our brother’s grave without our knowledge,” Quarshie declared on Wednesday.

    “That is unacceptable, and now we are going to deal with him because it is a taboo in our family to do that.”

    Madam Quarshie emphasized the need for consulting the family before making any decisions concerning the late president’s final resting place.

    “Whatever you want to do, you have to consult the family, and we have to give you our approval. But because you have the money, you go and do anything that you want,” she said.

    Her statement came after chaos erupted at the Asomdwee Park on Monday, July 24, when Mr. Anyidoho exceeded his scheduled time, causing delays for the second memorial service planned by Atta Mills’ relatives and members of the NDC.

    Previously, the family accused Mr. Anyidoho of bringing individuals to pose as family members of the late President during the wreath-laying service.

    Madam Quarshie labeled these individuals as “fake family members,” insisting that the true relatives of Prof. Mills do not recognize them.

    “People with Koku Anyidoho, pretending to be the real relatives of Atta Mills—that is never true. We don’t know them anywhere. He has schooled them by telling them that the rest of us are paternal brothers and sisters, and they are the real family,” she stated.

    Madam Quarshie also recounted a particularly disturbing incident involving an elderly woman falsely claiming to be Prof. Atta Mills’ mother.

    “It was so disgusting to find an 80-year-old woman, pouring libation and hitting her thigh, saying that she gave birth to Atta Mills. I was wondering if she gave birth as a baby,” she said.

    The family of the late president is now demanding respect and proper consultation in matters concerning their loved one’s legacy and resting place.

  • 5 memorable quotes made by Atta Mills

    5 memorable quotes made by Atta Mills

    Today, July 24, 2024, marks twelve years since the passing of a former President of Ghana, Professor John Evans Atta Mills.

    He is remembered as a symbol of peace and a champion of democracy, known for his compassion, selflessness, and dedication to the nation.

    Unity and Inclusion

    “I have always said that I will be President for all Ghanaians, whether they voted for me or not and without consideration for which part of the country they come from. It will be my duty as President to heal wounds and unite our dear nation.”

    Peace and Cooperation

    “As we approach the December Presidential and Parliamentary elections, it is my prayer and hope that we shall continue to preserve and maintain the peace, remain united, and focused as people with one destiny. We can hardly achieve meaningful development if the citizenry, on whose behalf we are managing the country, does not support and cooperate with us.”

    Fairness and Justice

    “I will not condone actions that will pit one citizen against the other as a way of settling political scores. That is unacceptable and will not be the Ghanaian way of doing things. The Ghanaian way should be that, under the Rule of Law, and with the benchmark of due process, any violations of the laws of Ghana will be addressed in a manner that is fair, balanced, and right in the sight of God.”

    Reflection and Progress

    “As a people, our greatest achievements have come when we have lived up to the ideals that unite rather than divide us and have attached ourselves to a common-sense purpose. Let this day not just see us enjoying just the holiday part of it; let us find time to reflect on the way forward as we strive to build a Better Ghana.”

    Sustaining Peace

    “As a nation, we have no other option but to “sustain the peace” we are enjoying in order to broaden the frontiers of our democracy and development. At no point in time should we take the peace we are enjoying for granted. Our fallen heroes and Founding Fathers toiled to give us this dear nation, and we dare not destroy what they have toiled to build.”

    Achievements and impact

    Born on July 21, 1944, Professor John Evans Atta Mills became the President of Ghana after two previous defeats in the 2000 and 2004 presidential elections.

    Affectionately known as ‘Uncle Atta’, he began working to improve the country’s economy upon assuming power on January 7, 2009.

    As an educationist, Professor Mills focused on enhancing the quality of teaching and learning. His administration abolished the shift system in public schools and aggressively removed schools under trees.

    Professor Mills’ legacy continues to inspire Ghanaians to strive for peace, unity, and development. He was dedicated to the well-being of all citizens, regardless of their background or political affiliation.

  • We will break the 8 – Alleged family members of late Atta Mills vow to vote for NPP

    We will break the 8 – Alleged family members of late Atta Mills vow to vote for NPP

    Some individuals claiming to be part of Atta Mills’ family have voiced their grievances against the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), accusing the party of unfair treatment.

    The 12th-anniversary wreath-laying and memorial service for former President John Evans Atta Mills is currently taking place at Asomdwee Park, adjacent to the Black Star Square.

    The ceremony has been marked by unexpected tensions and disorder as alleged family members of the late president speak ill of the opposition party.

    As a result, they have announced their intention to support the New Patriotic Party’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, in the upcoming general elections instead of casting their votes for the NDC.

    The event is attended by key NDC figures, including National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia, party flagbearer John Mahama, and his running mate Naana Opoku Agyemang.

    Atta Mills, who was battling throat cancer, passed away on July 24, 2012, in a hospital in Accra. His death was reported by his office as occurring just hours after he fell ill, although further details were not disclosed.

  • Chaotic scenes at Atta Mills’ 12th anniversary wreath-laying ceremony

    Chaotic scenes at Atta Mills’ 12th anniversary wreath-laying ceremony

    The 12th-anniversary wreath-laying ceremony and memorial service for the late former President John Evans Atta Mills is being held at the Asomdwee Park, near the Black Star Square.

    The event has not been without drama and chaotic incidents.

    Individuals who claims to be among the family of the late president vented their spleen against the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) over unfair treatment.

    They expressed their decision not to cast their ballot for the party in this year’s general election. According to them, they will vote for the New Patriotic Party’s flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

    The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has been spotted at the event together with the party’s flagbearer, John Mahama and his running mate, Naana Opoku Agyemang.

    On July 24, 2012, Atta Mills, who was suffering from throat cancer, died in hospital in the country’s capital. A statement from his office said the 68-year-old died a few hours after being taken ill, but did not give details.

  • Ghanaians remember Atta Mills 12 years on after his death

    Ghanaians remember Atta Mills 12 years on after his death

    It has been 12 years since one of Ghana’s transformational presidents, John Evans Atta Mills, passed on.

    On July 24, 2012, Atta Mills, who was suffering from throat cancer, died in hospital in the country’s capital.

    A statement from his office said the 68-year-old died a few hours after being taken ill, but did not give details.

    Today, the 12th-anniversary wreath-laying ceremony and memorial service for the late former President John Evans Atta Mills is being held at the Asomdwee Park, near the Black Star Square.

    But on social media, Ghanaians are reminiscing of the times they shared with the former president, when he governed the country for almost 4 years.

  • 12th Anniversary Wreath-Laying Ceremony for Atta Mills underway at Asomdwee Park

    12th Anniversary Wreath-Laying Ceremony for Atta Mills underway at Asomdwee Park

    The 12th-anniversary wreath-laying ceremony and memorial service for the late former President John Evans Atta Mills is being held at the Asomdwee Park, near the Black Star Square.

    On July 24, 2012, Atta Mills, who was suffering from throat cancer, died in hospital in the country’s capital. A statement from his office said the 68-year-old died a few hours after being taken ill, but did not give details.

    The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has been spotted at the event.

    Former President John Mahama and other dignitaries are expected to be present.

    Prior to this, the 12th Anniversary Memorial Lecture to mark the demise of President John Evans Atta Mills, third President of the Fourth Republic was held on July 19, 2024.

    The J.E.A. Mills Memorial Heritage, a non-profit organisation preserving the legacies of late President John Evans Atta Mills, launched a book on his memorial lectures. 

    The book, titled “Atta Mills Around the Regions”, is a compilation of all the lectures delivered in the 16 regions of the country as part of the year-long 10th anniversary commemoration of late President Mills.  

    The book was launched during the 12th commemorative lecture of the late President in Accra on the theme: “Remembering Atta Mills: 12 Years On”, at the Cedi Conference Centre of the University of Ghana. 

    Mr Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, Member of Parliament for Odododiodio, auctioning the book, said proceeds from it would be used to run the operations of the Heritage and support projects being done in memory of the late President. 

    The first copy was bought for GHS50,000 by a member of the National Democratic Congress who remained anonymous, and the second for GHS 40,000. 

    Meanwhile, Former President John Dramani Mahama and his Vice Presidential Candidate Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, each, bought a copy for GHS 20,000, with the NDC Party picking one for GHS 30,000, and the Minority Caucus buying a copy for GHS 40,000. 

    on July 27, 2024, the President John Evans Atta Mills Memorial Hockey Tournament would be held at the Theodosia Okoh Hockey Stadium in Accra.

  • Kwesi Pratt remembers health challenges, unwavering commitment of late Atta Mills

    Kwesi Pratt remembers health challenges, unwavering commitment of late Atta Mills

    Managing Editor of the Insight Newspaper, Kwesi Pratt, has recounted poignant memories of his interactions with the late President John Evans Atta Mills.

    During the 12th anniversary event of Prof. Mills’ passing at the University of Ghana, Legon Conference Centre, Pratt shared a memory from 2008 where he inquired about Prof. Mills’ health and readiness for the presidential race.

    Prof. Mills admitted to having health concerns but remained optimistic about his recovery following a medical examination in South Africa.

    “Professor Mills admitted that he had been unwell but insisted the doctors in South Africa had said that he would be alright. I left Prof. feeling somehow assured that he was worthy for the fight ahead of him and the National Democratic Congress on December 7, 2008,” Pratt said on July 19.

    Pratt also remembered a discussion with the late President during a visit to the Freedom Center, where Prof. Mills participated in an event despite significant vision issues.

    Following the event, Pratt posed a challenging question to him.

    “Prof. Can you make it?” Pratt asked.

    “Make what?” Prof. Mills replied.

    Pratt clarified, and Prof. Mills responded with unwavering commitment: “I will use the last ounce of energy in me to serve the people. I can’t give up now. The country is in a very dire situation, and I am ready to make sacrifices to be part of the rescue team.”

    Prof. Mills took office as Ghana’s President in 2009 following his victory in the December 2008 elections.

    He died on July 24, 2012, just months before the election while still serving as President and campaigning for re-election.

    John Mahama, the Vice-President, was sworn in as President after Mills’ death and went on to win the 2012 elections for the NDC.

  • Atta Mills’ family to use Asomdwe Park for commemorative rites on July 24

    Atta Mills’ family to use Asomdwe Park for commemorative rites on July 24

    The Government has approved a request by the Odumna Ebusua family to use Asomdwe Park to honor the late President John Evans Atta-Mills in accordance with their customs and traditions.

    In a letter dated June 21, 2024, Chieftaincy Minister Stephen Asamoah-Boateng responded to an earlier request from May 28, 2024, made by Nana Enfiua III, Kyidomhemaa of the Odumna Ebusua, Ekumfi Traditional Area.

    The letter reads in part: “…The Chief of Staff has granted approval to the Odumna Ebusua of the late President John Evans Atta-Mills to use Asomdwe Park on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, to perform the traditional and customary rites as requested for the 12th Anniversary Remembrance Ceremony of the late President. May the departed soul of your beloved son continue to rest peacefully in the Lord’s bosom.”

    The late President’s family has planned a series of events starting on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at Asomdwe Park to commemorate what would have been his 80th birthday.

    The late President celebrated his 68th birthday on Saturday, July 21, 2012, before his sudden and mysterious death on Tuesday, July 24, 2012.

    On Tuesday evening, July 23, 2024, a cultural gathering will be held at Asomdwe Park, with the main event beginning at dawn on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.

    The final event will take place on August 10, 2024, marking 12 years since President John Evans Atta-Mills was buried on August 10, 2012.

    The family expressed gratitude to the Government of Ghana for preserving the legacy of their esteemed son and clansman.

    The public is invited to join the family in remembering and celebrating the late President in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

    Nana Enifua III and Ebusuapanyin Kobina Biney, Head of the Odumna Family, will lead the celebrations for the late President John Evans Atta-Mills, who hailed from Ekumfi Otuam through his maternal lineage.

  • Late Atta Mills’ message to Black Stars players before US match at 2010 World Cup

    Late Atta Mills’ message to Black Stars players before US match at 2010 World Cup

    Former Black Stars defender Lee Addy recently reminisced about his experiences during the 2010 World Cup held in South Africa.

    Representing Ghana Premier League club Berekum Chelsea at the time, Addy made his World Cup debut in this unforgettable tournament.

    In a comprehensive discussion on Ernest Brew Smith’s YouTube channel, Addy reflected on the intensity of the match against the United States, highlighting it as his most demanding encounter.

    He vividly recalls the emotional rush he experienced when he stepped onto the field with the score deadlocked at 1-1.

    However, Addy found strength and motivation from an unexpected source—a pre-match visit from Ghana’s then-president, Professor John Evans Atta Mills, who graced the team’s dressing room with his presence.

    Professor Mills underscored the historical significance of the match against the US and emphasised the imperative of securing a victory for Ghana.

    “Professor Mills visited us in the dressing room to offer motivation.

    He encouraged us to seek victory, citing Ghana’s historical edge over the US. He assured us that history was in our favour and that we should strive for a win. Professor Mills expressed his support for our pursuit of victory,” Addy recounted.

    Addy also disclosed a remarkable interaction with the iconic African statesman, Nelson Mandela, who made some prescient remarks about Ghana’s upcoming quarter-final match against Uruguay.

    “Nelson Mandela met with us before the Uruguay match and foretold the events of the game. He warned us that we would be wronged,” Addy revealed.

  • VIDEO: Atta Mills promises not to legalise same-sex marriage (throwback)

    VIDEO: Atta Mills promises not to legalise same-sex marriage (throwback)

    Ghana is currently in the spotlight over its legislation that seeks to criminalize the identification and activities of the LGBTQ community, as well as its promoters and sponsors.

    Parliament passed the controversial Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values bill on Wednesday, and since then, several international communities such as the UN Human Rights and the US have called on President Akufo-Addo not to assent to the bill.

    Some Ghanaians, especially the Minority in Parliament, are skeptical of President Akufo-Addo appending his signature to the bill to become law.

    Not many citizens are pleased by this and want the president to make his stance known, just like his predecessors did. A video of the late John Evans Fifi Atta Mills has resurfaced.

    Thirteen years ago, then President John Evans Fifi Atta Mills assured that Ghana would not legalize same-sex activities under his watch.

    In an interview on November 2, 2011, he said, “(But) I as president of this nation, I will never initiate or support any attempts to legalise homosexuality in Ghana.”

    During that period, Britain had warned it would review aid to countries that persecute homosexuals. It had suspended £19 million in aid to Malawi because of concerns including its treatment of gays. 

    Now, Ghana faces the same threat as Uganda has been hit with sanctions by the US for passing one of the world’s harshest anti-Gay bill.

  • I wish I did more for Atta Mills when he was alive – Ablakwa

    I wish I did more for Atta Mills when he was alive – Ablakwa

    The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has expressed regret over not doing more for his political mentor, the late President John Evans Atta Mills, while he was alive.

    “I wish I even did more for President Atta Mills,” he said in an interview on Accra-based TV3’s Hot Issues programme.

    Mr Ablakwa, who transitioned from student leadership to politics and served as a deputy minister during Atta Mills’ presidency, spoke about the profound impact Mills had on his political perspective.

    He shared that he named his son after Mills as a tribute to the late president.

    “That’s why I named my son after him. I have no regrets for defending the interest of my party,” Ablakwa emphasized.

    The late Evans Atta Mills governed Ghana from 2009 to 2012 until his untimely demise. John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills, the former President of Ghana, passed away on July 24, 2012.

    During the presidency of John Evans Atta Mills, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa served as a Deputy Minister. He was appointed as the Deputy Minister of Information in 2009.

    On the show, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, used the opportunity to deny claims that he owned fuel stations during his early days as a politician and that he flew abroad every weekend for schooling during the Atta-Mills government.

    “I’m not a businessman; I don’t own any filling stations. I never flew abroad every weekend; how could one do that under the modest Prof. Mills? They don’t provide any evidence. I’m glad time has vindicated me,” he submitted.

    The topic of Ablakwa schooling abroad resurfaced recently when some social media users affiliated with the government brought it up to counter Ablakwa’s anti-corruption publications.

  • I didn’t own filling stations under “modest” Prof. Mills’ govt – Ablakwa

    I didn’t own filling stations under “modest” Prof. Mills’ govt – Ablakwa

    The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has denied claims that he owned fuel stations during his early days as a politician and that he flew abroad every weekend for schooling during the Atta-Mills government.

    He addressed these issues in an interview on Accra-based TV3’s Hot Issues programme, where he discussed various topics including politics, governance, corruption, and his personal life.

    “I’m not a businessman; I don’t own any filling stations. I never flew abroad every weekend; how could one do that under the modest Prof. Mills? They don’t provide any evidence. I’m glad time has vindicated me,” he submitted.

    The topic of Ablakwa schooling abroad resurfaced recently when some social media users affiliated with the government brought it up to counter Ablakwa’s anti-corruption publications.

    Ablakwa, who was once a student leader, transitioned into politics after being appointed as a deputy minister during Atta Mills’ presidency. He later became a Member of Parliament and has since held onto the North Tongu seat.

    Regarding his relationship with his political mentor, the late John Evans Atta Mills, he expressed that he named his son after Mills due to the profound impact Mills had on his political perspective.

    “I wish I even did more for President Atta Mills. That’s why I named my son after him. I have no regrets for defending the interest of my party,” he emphasized.

  • I am not related to individuals demanding Atta Mills’ autopsy – Samuel Atta-Mills

    I am not related to individuals demanding Atta Mills’ autopsy – Samuel Atta-Mills

    The Member of Parliament (MP) for Komenda Edina Eguafo Abrem (KEEA) and sibling of the late former President John Evans Atta-Mills, Samuel Atta-Mills, has expressed frustration regarding the recent request for his late brother’s autopsy report.

    Samuel Atta-Mills contended that those demanding the autopsy reports are not family members and have no familial connections with them.

    He disavowed any involvement in the request for the autopsy, stating, “Those who went to see the President for the Late President’s autopsy are not family members. They are impostors. Koku Anyidoho is not my relative. They are cheap people looking for something to eat. They should leave us alone,” in an interview with Adom FM.

    This development follows a request made by Nana Enyimfua III, representing Atta Mills’ family, to President Akufo-Addo last week.

    During a courtesy call in Accra, she, accompanied by the Founder of the Atta-Mills Institute, Koku Anyidoho, expressed concern about the unknown cause of Atta Mills’ death and stressed the importance of obtaining the autopsy report for closure and historical records.

    Nana Enyimfua III highlighted, “Our biggest problem as a family is that ever since I was enstooled as queen mother, I have not seen any autopsy report in the family. That is the biggest problem I have with the family because if someone asks me what killed him, I won’t know if the doctor said he broke his arm or his neck or drank something.”

    This sparked controversy, with Cadman Mills, another brother of the Late President, clarifying that “The (legitimate) family can obtain a copy from 37 [Military Hospital].” He revealed on X that an autopsy was performed at the 37 Military Hospital and will be made available to the legitimate family.

  • Demanding for autopsy report on Atta Mills is legitimate – Nana Eyifua III

    Demanding for autopsy report on Atta Mills is legitimate – Nana Eyifua III

    Queen Mother of Odumma Clan-Ekumfi, Nana Eyifua III has rejected claims that she erred in demanding the autopsy report on late president Evans Fiifi Atta Mills.

    During an interview on Hello Fm she argued that she finds it challenging to respond to questions surrounding the death of the former president as a result of the lack of information on the cause of his death.

    “The siblings are not the biological parents of Prof Atta Mills. Within the Aurthur family, when the family head speaks, there is no challenge. It is surprising that Samuel claims to possess the autopsy report while the family does not. The extended family wields control over an individual. It is the fami

    Recently, Nana Eyifua III further called on president Akufo-Addo to provide the family with an autopsy report to help put an end to speculative assumptions.

    Nana Enyimfua III, had said: “Our biggest problem as a family is that ever since I was enstooled as queen mother, I have not seen any autopsy report in the family. That is the biggest problem I have with the family because if someone asks me what killed him I won’t know if the doctor said he broke his arm or his neck or drunk something.”

    “So we plead with you and the government that the family needs the autopsy report so that in future when I am no more queen mother posterity will learn from it because no child from the family knows what killed the late former president so as not to talk about me as the queen mother in the family. So I plead with you on behalf of the family, before you leave office let us get the autopsy report.”

    Meanwhile, brother of the late president, Dr. Cadman Mills, has stated that an autopsy had been conducted at the 37 Military Hospital and assured that it would be provided to the legitimate family.

    In a post on X platform, Dr. Cadman Mills wrote “VERY STALE NEWS!!! And exasperating! President Mills died. An Autopsy was performed at 37 Military Hospital. A “Family Representative” was present at autopsy, as required by law. The (legitimate) family can obtain a copy from “37” to do with as it pleases. Next Subject.”

    The former Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, has also requested that the name of his deceased brother, John Atta-Mills, should be allowed to rest in peace.

    This appeal follows President Akufo-Addo’s endorsement of calls for the late President’s autopsy report to be officially documented in public records.

    “What is the obsession about this autopsy report? If Koku Anyidoho is minded, he used to work for President John Evans Atta-Mills. Do you think the President was buried just like a chicken?” he said on JoyFM’s Midday News on January 13, 2024.

  • Get a copy of Atta-Mills’ autopsy report from 37 Military Hospital – Brother tells legitimate family

    Get a copy of Atta-Mills’ autopsy report from 37 Military Hospital – Brother tells legitimate family

    Brother of the late president, John Evans Atta-Mills, Dr. Cadman Mills, has addressed a renewed request from certain relatives of the deceased president seeking access to his autopsy report.

    Dr. Mills stated, “The (legitimate) family can acquire a copy from 37 Military Hospital.”

    The plea for the autopsy report came from Nana Enyimfua III, who represented the family during a visit to the president in Accra on Saturday.

    Nana Enyimfua III expressed concerns about the undisclosed cause of the president’s death and stressed the significance of obtaining the report for closure and historical documentation.

    In response on X, Dr. Cadman Mills revealed that an autopsy had been conducted at the 37 Military Hospital and assured that it would be provided to the legitimate family.

    “VERY STALE NEWS!!! And exasperating! President Mills died. An Autopsy was performed at 37 Military Hospital. A “Family Representative” was present at autopsy, as required by law. The (legitimate) family can obtain a copy from “37” to do with as it pleases. Next Subject.”

    VERY STALE NEWS!!! And exasperating! President Mills died. An Autopsy was performed at 37 Military Hospital. A “Family Representative” was present at autopsy, as required by law. The (legitimate) family can obtain a copy from “37” to do with as it pleases. Next Subject.

    — Cadman Atta Mills (@CadmanAttaMills) January 13, 2024

    Nana Enyimfua III, had said: “Our biggest problem as a family is that ever since I was enstooled as queenmother, I have not seen any autopsy report in the family. That is the biggest problem I have with the family because if someone asks me what killed him I won’t know if the doctor said he broke his arm or his neck or drunk something.”

    “So we plead with you and the government that the family needs the autopsy report so that in future when I am no more queen mother posterity will learn from it because no child from the family knows what killed the late former president not to talk about me the queen mother in the family. So I plead with you on behalf of the family, before you leave office let us get the autopsy report.”

    President Nana Akufo-Addo subsequently described the request as a “legitimate one”.

    “I’ll have to find out how to proceed on that, but it’s a legitimate demand,” the president said after the family called on him at Jubilee House.

    “If the family wants to have [the autopsy report] of someone who died in those circumstances, it’s a legitimate demand”, Mr Akufo-Addo said after Mr Koku Anyidoho, the spokesperson of the late president, had informed him in the presence of Mills’ family that only the late President’s brother, Samuel Atta Mills, claims to have the autopsy report.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBaWYPM-uLE
  • My boss, a man of integrity didn’t need millions of dollars in his house -JM jabs at Cecilia Dapaah

    My boss, a man of integrity didn’t need millions of dollars in his house -JM jabs at Cecilia Dapaah

    During an event held to honor the 11th anniversary of the passing of John Evans Atta Mills, John Dramani Mahama spoke in glowing terms about his late boss.

    He highlighted Mills’ remarkable integrity, humility, and modesty, emphasizing the values that Mills passionately upheld.

    In his address to the gathering commemorating the June 24th anniversary of Mills’ passing, Mahama cited examples of significant sums of money kept at home to illustrate just how humble and unassuming Mills was.

    “Atta Mills was a man of integrity and all of us can vouch for his integrity, he was a modest man and didn’t need millions of dollars in his house to survive,” he stated to laughter in the crowd.

    The topic of a million dollars has been widely discussed in the past two weeks due to a reported incident of theft at the home of a minister.

    The former sanitation minister, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, informed the police that she had lost a significant amount of money, including one million dollars, 300,000 euros, and 350,000 Ghana cedis, allegedly stolen by housemaids.

    The two housemaids involved in the theft were apprehended by the police, and they, along with three others who were suspected to be beneficiaries of the stolen money, are facing charges before an Accra Circuit Court.

    In the wake of this incident, the minister decided to resign from her ministerial position. She was subsequently arrested but later released on bail by the Special Prosecutor.

    The police have completed their investigation and submitted the case docket, which includes details of the reported theft by the minister and her husband, to the Attorney-General for further advice.

  • It is how well you serve that matters, not how long – Prof Lumumba lauds late Mills

    It is how well you serve that matters, not how long – Prof Lumumba lauds late Mills

    Renowned Kenyan lawyer and activist, Professor Patrick Lumumba, has praised former President Prof John Evans Atta Mills for his dedicated service to Ghana, despite his relatively short time in office.

    Prof Lumumba highlighted that unlike some other leaders, the late president was not tainted by corruption or arrogance.

    He eulogized Atta Mills on Thursday, emphasizing that his presidency demonstrated that true leadership is not solely about the duration of one’s tenure but rather about the quality of leadership and the impact made during that time.

    “To commemorate the life and times of President Atta Mills, a number of questions must come to mind. History recalls, and will continue to do so, until it is otherwise proven, that he was the shortest serving President of Ghana.”

    “But his footprints in the sands of time tell us that it’s not how long you serve that matters but how well you serve. So the first message that we are sending out today to Africans is that longevity in office in and of itself is not what makes one great but the quality of service.”

    He called out leaders who refuse to leave power, stating that “their refusal to leave the stage has made Africa the poorer.”

    Prof Lumumba called on other leaders to be more like the former president, adding that one of Atta Mills’ greatest claims to fame was humility.

    “We are reminding them that Atta Mills was the personification of humility and if Africa is to be great we must have men and women who are humble because humility is the mother’s milk of servant leadership,” he stated.

  • Why Atta Mills told Lordina to watch Africa magic

    Why Atta Mills told Lordina to watch Africa magic

    Former President John Dramani Mahama has opened up about how his wife, Lordina, is affected by the verbal abuse he receives.

    During a recent appearance on KSM’s show, he shared an anecdote about how his wife sought advice from the late President John Evans Atta Mills regarding the media’s criticism and abuse directed at him.

    “I will tell you something, it’s going to come in my book when I write it eventually. It was an occasion where Lordina went to Prof. Mills and complained about the bashing that I was taking as his vice president. You know I was his vice president and she went complaining about the bashing her husband was receiving and that she is having sleepless nights,” the former president said.

    Mr. Mahama claims that President Mills instructed Mrs. Mahama to avoid the media by avoiding radio programs where her husband is the subject of criticism and abuse in favor of watching movies.

    The former President hinted that this touching moment would be included in his book, indicating his intention to share more personal insights and experiences in the future.

    “Prof Mills asked her; he said where do you hear all this? She said but you don’t you listen to the radio stations? Every morning when you listen to the radio, they are insulting my husband,” he said.

    “He said, but why listen to the radio stations? Don’t listen to the radio stations. I Prof. I don’t listen because I don’t want to get hight blood pressure so I don’t listen to the radio stations. Then he asked Lordina, do you have DSTV at home? Lordina said yes, we have. He said you go and tune it, there is a station Africa Magic. He says they show a lot of interesting films. When you go home just tune in to Africa Magic,” the former President added.

    From 2009 until the late former president’s death in July 2012, John Dramani Mahama served as Prof. John Evans Atta Mills’ vice president.

    Following the passing of his boss, he was elected president and took office in 2012.
    John Mahama’s 2016 reelection campaign was unsuccessful due to a faltering economy and the battle to resolve a problematic power situation.

    He made another unsuccessful attempt to regain power in 2020, although he is still on track after being chosen as the National Democratic Congress’s nominee for president in the 2024 election.

  • Mills didn’t weaponize justice like we are seeing today – Mahama

    Mills didn’t weaponize justice like we are seeing today – Mahama

    Former President John Dramani Mahama has praised the late President John Evans Atta-Mills for his principled leadership, stating that he was not one to pursue power at any cost or manipulate state agencies for political gain.

    He stated this during the 11th anniversary of late President Atta-Mills held in Accra on Tuesday, July 24, 2023.

    “The Electoral Commission (EC) was truly independent and the judiciary did not live in fear of not satisfying the president’s wishes by their verdicts.

    “He did not weaponize justice unlike what we are living through today. He was a great talent sporter and I count myself among his many proteges who have gone on to excel in our various fields of endeavor,” he said.

    The former President also lauded the late Mills for upholding Ghana’s social and moral values high, as he “was unequivocal in his abhorrence of LGBTQ.”

    Mr. Mahama, who served as Vice President to Prof Mills from 2009 until Prof Mills’ untimely death on 24th July 2012, expressed that he considers himself one of Prof Mills’ proteges who have achieved success in their respective fields.

  • Government hailed for effectively managing Atta Mills’ Library

    Government hailed for effectively managing Atta Mills’ Library

    Founder and President of the Atta Mills Institute, Koku Anyidoho, has expressed gratitude to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government for taking over the management of the Atta Mills Presidential Library in Cape Coast.

    The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has assumed control of the library, which had been completed and inaugurated in 2016 but was left to deteriorate due to disputes with the contractor over payment.

    Mamdev Ghana Limited, the contractor, has now handed over the facility to the government for renovation and commissioning.

    The GTA, Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB), and Ghana Library Authority (GLA) will collaborate to have the library fully operational within three months.

    The former aide to the late President Atta Mills, expressed relief in an interview with the media emphasizing that the library will function to preserve the legacies of late President Atta Mills.

    “This will be one of the legacies of the current government, led by President Akufo-Addo that is protecting the legacies of former presidents.”

    He said, “Look at the reconstruction of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park. Very beautiful and that of the Atta Mills Presidential Library at Cape Coast in the Central Region.”

    “This will be Akufo-Addo’s legacy and not the Free SHS policy because such will protect the legacies of former presidents,” Mr. Anyidoho explained.

  • I fixed ‘dumsor’ though I did not create it – Mahama

    I fixed ‘dumsor’ though I did not create it – Mahama

    John Dramani Mahama, a former president, claimed that the energy challenge (dumsor) was something he inherited.

    However, he said, he took responsibility for the problem and solved it before leaving office in 2016.

    Mr Mahama indicated that the dumsor was a generation problem therefore his government invested in power generation as part of the solution.

    Speaking to delegates of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Friday, April 14, Mr Mahama who is seeking to be elected flagbearer of the NDC said “In 2016, I wouldn’t say Ghana was a paradise but our situation was far better than it is today.

    “In 2016 our colleagues the NPP told a lot of lies about us, they labelled us as incompetent and they came with a lot of big and sweet promises to the people of Ghana and used that to persuade the people that they will be a better government than we were.

    “And so the people of Ghana tried them by voting for them, they said they should try them and that was the mistake the people of Ghana made because we have come to realise that after all the ‘we have the men. we have the men’ it was station boys, they don’t know anything.”

    He added, “If you take our ministers who were running this country in 2016 and compare them with their ministers who are running Ghana today pound for pound, our ministers were far better than any of them.”

    He further indicated that “We solved many difficult challenges, dumsor was not created by us, it was lack of generation capacity over the years, and so when we came into office we were confronted with it, we did not run away, we did not shift the blame to somebody.

    “I could have said Presidents Rawlings and Kuffuor and President Mills did not add new generation but what we did was, we took responsibility, I went to Parliament and said yes you elected us to take responsibility, we take responsibility and we shall fix it.

    “Truly, by the time we left in 2016, we had fixed dumsor, we had fixed the generational challenges Indeed, they accused us of putting in too much generation than we needed.”

  • From Dos Santos to Mugabe – the burial disputes over ex-leaders

    In our series of letters from African journalists, Ghanaian Elizabeth Ohene writes about the disputes that break out over the final resting sites of African leaders.

    I am not sure I can offer a categorical theory yet, but it does look to me that being a president in Africa means there will be some controversy about your resting place when you die.

    I have been following the dispute over where to bury Angola’s former President José Eduardo dos Santos who died in Spain on 8 July.

    Current President João Lourenço and Mr Dos Santos’s fourth wife want to bring his body home for a state funeral and burial in a mausoleum – what we would call here in Ghana a befitting burial.

    But his daughter Welwitschia “Tchizé” dos Santos wants a private funeral and a discreet grave site in Spain, where his children can visit.

    She says she has the support of some of her siblings who face accusations of corruption in Angola and could be arrested if they return.

    One of the Dos Santos children says the state has no constitutional obligation to assume responsibility for his father’s burial and the decision must rest with the family.

    That argument about the state’s rights to a dead president’s body seems to be a recurring one.

    Back in 2019 there was an eerily similar situation in Zimbabwe when Robert Mugabe died almost two years after his 37 years in power was ended by the current President Emmerson Mnangagwa, with the backing of the military.

    Everybody thought Mr Mugabe would be laid to rest at the national Heroes’ Acre in the capital, Harare.

    After all, Heroes’ Acre had been built by him and he had supervised the burial there of many of his former comrades in the liberation struggle, including Sally, his first wife.

    Mr Mnangagwa started building an impressive mausoleum for the independence leader, but Mr Mugabe’s family would have none of it, not after he had been chased out of power and betrayed by his lieutenants.

    The body, they argued, belonged to the family and after weeks of argument, the family won and Mr Mugabe, the undisputed hero of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, was buried in his home village, without any representatives of officialdom present.

    Former Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda (L) sits next to Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe in Harare - 17 June 2004

    Even Kenneth Kaunda, Zambia’s first post-independence president and the ultimate peacenik, could not find a resting place last year without a dispute breaking out.

    According to the family, he wanted to be laid to rest next to his wife and not at the official site the government had designated.

    For the moment, the family has not insisted on their rights and “KK” – as the late Mr Kaunda is affectionately known – is lying at the Embassy Memorial Park in the capital, Lusaka.

    From exile to honours

    These disputes about restless dead bodies are not new. Over here in Ghana we are well practised in such matters.

    Our first leader – Kwame Nkrumah – died while receiving medical treatment in Bucharest in Romania.

    He was first buried in Conakry in Guinea, where he had been living in exile. His body was later brought to Ghana. There was a state funeral in the capital, Accra, and he was laid to rest in his home village of Nkroful.

    Years later, a befitting mausoleum was built in Accra and the body was brought and interred there.

    Kwame Nkrumah mausoleum (1909-1972), Accra, Ghana, 20th century

    Every once in a while, there are murmurs from his family in Nkroful asking for his body to be returned to them.

    In 2012, our President John Evans Atta-Mills died in office and finding a resting place for him was not a straightforward issue.

    Some members of his family wanted the body to be sent to his home village for burial, that argument did not find much traction at the time.

    The first place where the government dug a grave for his interment was abandoned as unsuitable. He was eventually laid to rest in a park.

    The understanding then was that the park would serve as the resting place for all presidents of Ghana.

    Since then, another former president – Jerry Rawlings – has died.

    Jerry Rawlings (September 1999)

    Not only was he not taken to where President Atta-Mills lies, but his family in his home village accused the government of having appropriated the body.

    He was buried at a military cemetery in Accra, with full military honours.

    A few weeks ago, we marked the 10th anniversary of the passing of Atta-Mills.

    There are still arguments about his tomb: who should look after it, and what should be inscribed on it.

    There are also members in his family who still want the body exhumed from the state-sponsored park in Accra and taken to his home village to be laid to rest.

    So I have to conclude that one of the hazards of being a president in Africa is that there will be no resting place for your body when you die.

     

    Source: BBC

  • We havent opened Atta Mills tomb CODA

    The Coastal Development Authority (CODA) has denied tampering with the tomb of the former President, John Evans Atta Mills.

    The brother of the late President, Samuel Atta Mills had accused both CODA and an aide to former President, Samuel Koku Anyidoho of tampering with the tomb without recourse to the family.

    However, CODA rejected this claim in a statement signed by its Chief Executive Officer of CODA, Jerry Ahmed.

    “We wish to state that the grave was not opened and therefore no desecration of the body of the former President, H.E John Evans Atta Mills, has taken place.”

    The statement said CODA has only been undertaking some renovation works at the burial grounds of the late Professor Atta Mills.

    “The Coastal Development Authority, acting upon a directive from the President Akufo-Addo, prioritized the renovation of the burial grounds of the late Professor Atta Mills, former president of the republic.The Authority liaised with relevant state institutions in charge of state monuments before embarking on the renovation works.”

    It gave the assurance that the project will be commissioned after completion.

    John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills was a Ghanaian politician and legal scholar who served as President of Ghana from 2009 to 2012.

    Source: Citinews

     

  • ‘Each man for himself, God for the select few’ – How Atta Mills described NPPs property owning democracy’

    “Property owning democrats,” the tagline of the governing New Patriotic Party, NPP, known to be the capitalists, has been making rounds on social media after some portions of the Last Will and testament of the party’s former General Secretary, Sir John, was made public.

    The Will details how much wealth Sir John, real name Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, willed to his children and nephews.

    Some portions relating to prime lands in Accra have dominated discussions in mainstream and on social media. Many Ghanaians were outraged after a signed Executive Instrument, E.I. by the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, declassifying parts of the Achimota Forest as a forest reserve were made public.

    Some social media users accused the political class of an attempt to sell the lands to themselves and their cronies. The government has denied the accusations, saying it was only returning part of the land to its rightful owners.

    But Sir John’s Will contains four parcels of specified and unspecified acres of land in the Achimota Forest, which the late politician bequeathed to named persons.

    Prior to the 2008 presidential and parliamentary elections, Professor John Evans Atta Mills [of blessed memory], who at the time was contesting the elections as an opposition leader with Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, described the NPP’s mantra of property owning democracy as “each man for himself and God for the select few.”

    In a campaign video of the NDC, the late Prof Atta Mills said:

    “Nana Addo is talking about having fought for democracy, [and] having fought for human freedom. It is quite clear that they are following their tradition property owning democracy, as they call themselves. That is each man for himself and God for the select few.”

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • We must build museums to commemorate our Heads of State – Nana Ofori Owusu

    National Chairman of the Progressive People’s Party (PPP), Nana Ofori Owusu has called for the establishment of monuments for Presidents of Ghana.

    According to him, a law should be enacted to ensure that Heads of State have museums to commemorate them.

    Nana Ofori Owusu said this while commenting on the demise of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings.

    Mr. Rawlings passed away at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital on Thursday, November 12, 2020, following a short ailment.

    He died at the age of 73.

    Nana Ofori Owusu argued that, “there should be something passed in Parliament to give honour to our past leaders which will become a law. It shouldn’t be when the leader dies that we have to start thinking about what to do or not for the leader”.

    He called on the government to seize the opportunity to permanently honour former Presidents of the country as they live and not just when they die.

    “The entire nation must come together and institutionalize something permanent for our former Heads of State. Our former President Kufour is alive, we must go to his hometown and build for him a big museum . . . This is a permanent solution to give respect to all of our former Presidents,” he said on Peace FM’s “Kokrokoo”.

    Source: Peace FM

  • Mills chaired most cabinet meetings under Rawlings Spio-Gabrah

    A Former Minister of Trade and Industry, Ekwow Spio-Gabrah, has said the late Professor John Evans Atta Mills was the one who actually handled cabinet meetings while vice to former president, Jerry John Rawlings.

    He told TV3 in a yet-to-be telecast interview Mr Rawlings use not to attend cabinet meetings and never retracted any decision taken by the then Vice President.

    “To the best of my knowledge Rawlings never countermanded any of the decisions that were taken by Atta Mills as Vice President”

    The former Minister of Education said Prof Mills also took several government decisions which were not objected to by Mr Rawlings

    “Vice President Mills was the one running the government; at least he did public service and government decisions,” he said.

    He added that Rawlings allowed then Vice President and cabinet to take decisions that inured to the benefit of all.

    “He allowed Prof. Mills and the cabinet to take decisions they thought was in the national interest.

    Source: 3 News

  • Prof. Atta Mills took me as a son, got me a job at GBC Nii Lante Vanderpuye

    Member of Parliament for Odododiodio Constituency, Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, say “love and care” are the two attributes which best describe the persona and values of the late Evans Atta Mills.

    According to him, the late Professor Evans Atta Mills played an important role in is life especially during his Universities days, adding that the former president personally got him a job at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) where he worked as a sports journalist for several years.

    He said the caring and loving role the late president played in his life has impacted positively in his life and he is, therefore, going to ensure he (Nii Lante Vandepuye) also lives a life that impacts positively on the people around him.

    Speaking an interview with Ghanaweb during the 8th remembrance and wreath-laying ceremony of the late Evans Atta Mills at the Asomdwee Park here in Accra on his fond memories of the latter, he said “…he loves humanity, he loves everybody and he cares for everybody. He does not discriminate because he sees everybody as a human being. I was a student on campus, he took me as a son, he got me a job at GBC and then I also worked with him at the presidency and all I know is that he always want to ask if you have eaten and if you have money in your pocket. He cares about people and sees everyone as a son and not a subordinate. And that is what I have learnt from him and that is what I will like to impact to everybody around me.

    Nii Lante Vanderpuye served as the Deputy Head of Sports from 1990-2004 at GBC and Head of Sports, from 2005-2008 before he was appointed the Minister of Sports under the erstwhile John Mahama administration in 2016.

    Meanwhile, former President John Dramani Mahama has pledged to continue the peace and unity in the country which the late President John Evan Atta Mills started.

    At the same event, flagbearer of the NDC said Ghanaians are “crying” for the kind of peace, stability and justice he (Mills) stood for.

    John Mahama thus reiterated his promise to continue the legacy of the late Professor John Evans Atta Mills.

    President Mills died in July 2012.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Atta Mills library ought to be sustained, revitalized – NDC Chairman

    National chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo has said, one of the ways the legacy of the late president, John Evans Atta Mills can be preserved is by ensuring that the Atta Mills Library is fully sustained and revitalized.

    According to him, revitalizing the library will help individuals from different walks of life read about his life and leadership principles which he stood for.

    Speaking in an exclusive interview in Ghanaweb at the 8th remembrance and wreath-laying ceremony, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo said “I think we need to do more, I believe that the Atta mills library in Cape Coast ought to be sustained and revitalized so that people from all walks of life can go there and read his life and leadership principle. I believe that we have to embed his leadership principle in a very transformational leadership system that will guide the country in future. And so even though we continue to celebrate him, I think we need to do more in terms of the principle that he stood for so that we will always remember Professor Mills and be able to stand for what he believes in. I think it is very very important we do that” He said.

    The John Evans Atta Mills Presidential Library, a memorial and research facility in Cape Coast, was closed down 2018, 2 years after it was inaugurated by former President John Dramani Mahama.

    The library which is a 100-capacity auditorium, 45-seater multi-media centre, seminar rooms and a museum that holds historical materials that reflect the life and works of the late President was closed down due to lack of funds to run it.

    It is based on this that the National chairman is calling for the reopening and the revitalization of the library to ensure that there is access to educational material concerning the life and legacy of the late Evans Atta Mills to ensure the development of the nation.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Family of late Prof. Mills pays courtesy call on Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang

    The family of the Late Prof. John Evans Atta Mills has paid a courtesy call on Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the Vice Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the upcoming December 7th 2020 elections at her office on Friday 24th July 2020.

    The family, led by Opanin George Aryee Thompson, the Family Linguist, were in Accra for the wreath Laying ceremony in connection with the commemoration of the passing of President Mills.

    The family expressed their delight and excitement about the nomination of Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, as the NDC Vice Presidential candidate.

    They pledged their support to her and the NDC and wished her well in the upcoming campaign. They advised her to focus on the task ahead and not be distracted by negativity from persons who do not wish her or the nation well.

    Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, thanked the family for their support and also pledged to abide by their advice and work hard towards securing victory for the NDC come December 7th 2020.

    She said, ” For me victory for the NDC means victory for the whole of Ghana and an opportunity to work hard to address the many development needs that confront our nation today. It will also be a victory for the legacy that President Mills left this country. ”

    The meeting ended with a prayer by the family linguist.

  • Mahama pledges to continue Atta Mills legacy

    Former president John Dramani Mahama has pledged to continue the peace and unity in the country which the late president Evan Atta Mills started.

    Speaking at the 8th anniversary and wreath laying ceremony of the late president, flagbearer of the NDC said Ghanaians are “crying” for the kind of peace, stability and justice he (Mills) stood for.

    John Mahama thus reiterated his promise to continue the legacy of the late professor Evans Atta Mills.

    Today marks exactly 8 years since the passing of the late former president Prof. John Evans Atta Mills.

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC), friends, family members and sympathisers gathered at the Asomdwe Park to mark his remembrance anniversary.

    Former President Jerry John Rawlings, together with some Members of Parliament were at the ceremony to also lay their wreaths to commemorate the late Professor John Evans Atta Mills.

    Meanwhile, former Spokesperson at the Presidency and now Chief Executive Officer of the Atta Mills Institute, Koku Anyidoho, earlier this morning held a remembrance and wreath-laying ceremony for his late boss.

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Koku Anyidoho, NDC hold separate ceremonies to commemorate Atta Mills

    As today marks exactly 8 years since the passing of the late former president Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, it was expected that members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), friends, family members and sympathisers will gather together to mark the anniversary.

    However, this was not the case for this year’s anniversary of the late president as two different events have been held at the Asomdwe Park in Accra to commemorate the 8th anniversary of the death of the late president, Professor Evans Atta Mills.

    Former Spokesperson at the Presidency and now Chief Executive Officer of the Atta Mills Institute, Koku Anyidoho earlier this morning held a remembrance and wreath-laying ceremony for his late boss.

    Former President Jerry John Rawlings, together with some members of parliament were at the ceremony to also lay their wreaths to commemorate the late Mills.

    Mr Anyidoho also used the opportunity to cut the sod for the refurbishment of the Atta Mills Institue.

    Meanwhile, at the time of filling this report, the NDC and other sympathizers of the opposition party were yet to hold their memorial service for the late Evans Atta Mills.

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Rawlings pays respect to Mills at “asomdwoe” park.

    The former President flight lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings today visited the “asomdwoe park” to pay respect to commemorate the demise of the former president John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills.

    Professor Atta Mills is evidently the most peaceful and humane president ever to sit on the throne of Ghana’s leadership.

    The soothing weather and the gentle breeze is actually an indication of the calm and collected nature of the former president.

    The former president went early to pay respect in humility with other high ranking member.

    This commemoration has been ongoing for the past years to honor the former president and his godly works. His demise which shocked the entire nation is still fresh in memory.

    The asomdwoe park would have been flooded if not for the Covid19 health protocols, hampering on the converging of lots of people.

    Loved one’s and sympathizers will try and find a way to pay their continual respect to the peaceable man.

    What respectful message do you have for the former peaceable president.

    Comment, share like and follow me for more insightful stories.

    Source: opera.com

  • Youll forever remain in our hearts Mahama eulogizes Atta Mills

    Former President John Dramani Mahama has eulogized late President John Evans Atta Mills.

    Atta Mills died at the 37 Military hospital three days after his birthday. He would have been 76 years old today, July 21, 2020.

    Former President Mahama took to Facebook to eulogize his former boss saying “You will forever remain in our hearts”.

    “You would have been 76 years today, Prof. Though in eternity, memories of your sterling qualities and principled leadership are still fresh with us. You will forever remain in our hearts. Yours is a soul that cannot be forgotten, a man we cannot celebrate enough!”

    Below is the full post from Mr. Mahama

    You would have been 76 years today, Prof. Though in eternity, memories of your sterling qualities and principled leadership are still fresh with us.

    You will forever remain in our hearts. Yours is a soul that cannot be forgotten, a man we cannot celebrate enough!

    Happy birthday my comrade, mentor, and friend. Continue to rest well, Sir.

    John Dramani Mahama
    Cantonments- Accra

     

    Source: citinewsroom 

  • ‘You would have been 76 years today’ – Mahama celebrates the late Atta Mills

    Today, July, 21 would have been the 76th birthday of the late Professor John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills and John Dramani Mahama who was his Vice President from 2008-2012 has taken to social media to celebrate his former boss.

    Mills, who became Ghana’s third President in the fourth republic passed on his birth month – Tuesday, 24 July 2012 – after battling with a short illness.

    8 years after his demise, John Dramani Mahama has eulogised him.

    In a post, he wrote, “You would have been 76 years today, Prof. Though in eternity, memories of your sterling qualities and principled leadership are still fresh with us.”

    “You will forever remain in our hearts. Yours is a soul that cannot be forgotten, a man we cannot celebrate enough!

    “Happy birthday my comrade, mentor, and friend. Continue to rest well, Sir.”

    He posted another one on Twiter saying, “You would have been 76 years today, Prof. Though in eternity, memories of your sterling qualities and principled leadership are still fresh with us. You will forever remain in our hearts. Yours is a soul that cannot be forgotten, a man we cannot celebrate enough!”

    See the social media post of former President John Dramani Mahama below,

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Today in history: Former President Mills celebrated last birthday before his demise”

    Former President John Evans Atta Mills on Saturday July 21, 2012 celebrated his 68th birthday which turned out to be his last birthday as he died three days after.

    The very empathic Professor Mills as he had done during his previous birthdays choose to celebrate the day in the company of orphans at some orphanage homes.

    Read the full article as published by radioxyzonline.com below

    The President of Ghana, John Evan Atta Mills marks his 68th birthday today.

    To underscore his caring nature, the President has in the past, reached out to orphans in parts of the country.

    They include the Peace and love orphanage, Osu Children’s Home in Accra and the Fetteh Orphanage in the Central region.

    Director of Communications at the Presidency, Koko Anyidoho in an interview with XYZ News, said the President intends celebrating his birthday in a similar manner.

    “President Mills is not known to be an open celebrant of his birthday, for him, it is always a very quiet moment and private for him.

    “Years down the line some donations have been done on his behalf to various orphanages and the less advantaged ones and I think the same thing will happen this year”.

    Meanwhile, as part of celebrations the Atta Mills Brotherhood International Ghana will embark on a campaign against Malaria.

    The group will also participate in a vigil today organized by the Ododododiodio branch of the NDC.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • UCC cancels Atta Mills memorial lecture over coronavirus

    The Management of the Cape Coast University (UCC) has announced the cancellation of the John Atta Mills commemorative lecture which was scheduled for its campus this week.

    In a statement, the university said the decision was informed by the coronavirus pandemic which makes it impossible to hold large gatherings.

    The Atta Mills commemorative lecture is an annual event which alternates between the GIMPA and the UCC.

    The statement said the lecture will be held once things get to normal.

    Professor John Atta Mills died while still serving as President in July 2012.

     

    Source: Starr FM

  • Anyidoho gives a blow by blow account of how Atta Mills died

    Former Presidential spokesperson, Koku Anyidoho has condemned persons distorting circumstances surrounding the death of former President John Evans Atta-Mills, emphasizing that the man received the best of emergency health responses before his passing.

    Speaking on Asempa FM recently monitored by MyNewsGh.com, Mr Anyidoho noted that contrary to claims that the late President was not transported in an ambulance, he was transported in a well-equipped ambulance to the hospital.

    He related that the President was transported in an ambulance with emergency medical personnel from the Castle to the 37 military hospital after he had been properly carried on a stretcher from his residence to the ambulance.

    Mr Anyidoho denied reports that he had collapsed, explaining that he merely became sicker and had to be stretchered to the ambulance.

    “So it looked like a normal morning even though we knew that there were health challenges. No two ways about it! So it was a sudden something…. and when it happened suddenly, there were professionals around. So he was moved in an ambulance,” he recalled.

    Mr Anyidoho added that “he was not left alone; his security close escorts including professional policemen went with him. There was a motorcade that carried him. There were doctors in the ambulance, trying to do what they could do: first aid.

    And he was sent to the Intensive Care Unit(ICU) of the 37 Military Hospital. I repeat: The Intensive Care Unit of the 37 Military Hospital.”

    On how long it took them to transport the President to the hospital, Mr Anyidoho, said that it took them some 30 minutes because of the heavy traffic on the road that morning.

    He noted that even though the President used to insist that his movement inconvenienced no one on the road, on that day, many were inconvenienced because of the emergency nature of the movement.

    He stressed that at the ICU, both military specialist doctors and civilian specialist doctors were present and did their best but “God called him back”.

    ” So this whole propaganda that I put him in my pick up and Whatnots is so ridiculous. It is not funny,” he asserted.

    Listen to Mr Anyidoho below;

    Source:MyNewsGh.com/Stephen Zoure/2020