The Executive Director of the John Evans Atta Mills Memorial Heritage, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, has called on Ghanaians to uphold the values and legacy of the late President John Evans Atta Mills, describing him as a symbol of moral leadership, peace, and integrity.
Speaking during a solemn wreath-laying ceremony held at Asomdwee Park on Thursday, July 24, 2025, to commemorate the former president’s legacy, Nana Oye urged the nation to draw inspiration from Professor Mills’ life and leadership.
“At a time when political integrity seemed like an oxymoron, Professor Mills stood out as a beacon of moral leadership. His integrity was not situational; it was absolute,” she said.
“Mills was fundamentally a man of peace—not a passive peace, but an active one. He understood that peace was not the absence of conflict but the presence of justice, understanding, and mutual respect.”
She added that Professor Mills’ personal values were seamlessly reflected in his public life. “His approach to family life became the same guiding approach in his presidency. Reputation is built in silence—and it lasts longer than applause,” she remarked.
Nana Oye also highlighted the former president’s notable contributions to Ghana’s legal and governance landscape. As a legal scholar and mentor, Professor Mills was instrumental in shaping a generation of responsible legal professionals.
“Mills helped create a generation of legal professionals who understand their responsibilities. He came to the presidency with a clear vision that was encapsulated in the Better Ghana Agenda. This was not a mere campaign slogan but a comprehensive framework for national development,” she stated.
Professor John Evans Atta Mills, who passed away on July 24, 2012, was a distinguished Ghanaian politician and legal scholar. He served as Ghana’s President from January 7, 2009, until his untimely death in 2012—making him the first sitting president in Ghana’s history to die while in office.
Before his presidency, Prof. Mills served as Vice President from 1997 to 2001 under President Jerry John Rawlings. He ran as the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2000 and 2004 elections, but it was in 2008 that he secured victory, defeating Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of the then-governing party.
Throughout his political career, Mills was widely respected for his integrity, humility, and commitment to peace and national unity.
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