Tic, tic; the clock ticks and slowly the days go by. So soon it’s 4 years and it just feels like yesterday, 24th July; the darkest day in the life of mother Ghana; a day a mighty tree under which we shared our leisure, fell without prior notice. Today marks the 4^th anniversary of the painful departure of the late President John Evans Atta Mills.

They called him the Asomdwehene, some called him the humble Lion, they say he is the pillar of modesty, some say he is a gem, but to the young politicians of our generation, he was a perfect gift of God. He was a precious pearl, a great mentor, a father, an inspirer and a ‘seed of opportunity’ for young people hoping to pursue leadership. Prof. came with a well of COURAGE that gave live and strength to the weak, the poor and the vulnerable.

I feel not competent enough to pen down this eulogy, as more knowledgeable and experienced senior comrades, have already done that. But I feel so indebted, that I could not deny myself this opportunity to write this eulogy in your honor. I recall with nostalgia, the abiding lesson you taught and instilled in us as a nation.

You were an exceptional achiever and inspired us in no uncertain terms to pursue greater heights in all our endeavors. It was your commitment to academic work that earned you a Phd at a young age 27. This remains an unnegotiable inspiration to a lot of young people of today.

You were a man of many parts, an academic, a leader with a rare leadership style, legal luminary and a great sports man. You could be identified with almost every sport and you played with excellence in all your endeavors.

Spanning from your days in the Legon hall football team, the University of Ghana hockey team and even more exceptionally in your days as a Board Member of Accra Hearts of Oak, National Sports Council and as a Chairman of the Black Stars Committee.

Prof Mills’ level of maturity and level-headedness was heavily exhibited in his ability to tolerate all kinds of criticisms, including open and raw insults. You will always advise us to keep focus and leave our persecutors to God for judgment.

You worked tirelessly to promote economic growth and development in Ghana in the midst of challenging global circumstances. Your commitment to democratic values including respect for human rights and for the fair treatment of all Ghanaians has earned Ghana and international recognition as a rare model of democracy, freedom, peace and stability across the world. You were famously known as the ‘Father for All’.

It still remains fresh on our minds, the charitable description of your sense of judgment by President Alhassane Outtarra of Ivory Coast as a “Wiseman”; especially for your role in helping to restore peace in Ivory Coast.

Prof you indeed left an indelible mark on our hearts, minds and in the annals of Ghana political history. Your name will be certainly written in gold in the book of history as one of Ghana’s finest Presidents.

Continue resting in perfect peace Father, friend, Mentor Prof John Evans Atta Mills. Da yie Asomdwehene!!!

 

BY: COURAGE KOBBY BARLON

      (DEPT. NATIONAL YOUTH ORGANISER – NDC)