The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has said he believes the late President John Evans Atta Mills is “enjoying peace in his grave”, attributing the nation’s current peaceful political climate to the values Professor Mills embodied during his lifetime.

Speaking at the 13th anniversary wreath-laying ceremony held in honour of the late president at Asomdwee Park, Mr Asiedu Nketia reflected on Ghana’s current political climate and the significance of maintaining peace in the country.

“I have peace in my mind, peace in my heart, and I believe that Professor Mills is enjoying peace in his grave,” he said.

The NDC Chairman pointed to the recent change in leadership, where former President John Mahama has returned to contest the presidency after previously handing over power peacefully, while President Akufo-Addo transitions out of office.

“The only variable that has changed is the swapping of positions of two very important persons in this country, and they just swapped their positions perfectly one from a former president to the sitting president, and the other one from the sitting president to a former president,” Nketia noted.

“So if this celebration is happening in a peaceful atmosphere, that is the true reflection of the life and beliefs of Professor Mills.”

Also speaking at the ceremony, President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to the legacy of the late president, stating that the NDC’s current “reset agenda” is firmly grounded in the principles and policies of Mills’ “Better Ghana” vision.

“Let me say for emphasis that our reset agenda today rests on the foundation of the Better Ghana agenda that was laid down by Professor J.E.A. Mills.”

The late President Mills, who died in office in July 2012, is remembered for his commitment to peace, tolerance and good governance traits that Asiedu Nketia believes continue to shape Ghana’s democracy more than a decade after his passing.

The ceremony, attended by leading members of the NDC, traditional leaders and civil society figures, was marked by a solemn call to preserve the values of integrity, humility and peace that defined Mills’ presidency.