27th July, 2012 The sudden demise of the former President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency Professor John Evans Atta Mills at the 37 Military Hospital on Tuesday 24th July 2012 has come as devastating news to the Centre for Social Impact Studies (CeSIS). This is one loss we are still coming to terms with. During his short tenure as President, Professor Mills committed himself to ensuring that the country reaped maximum benefits from her natural resource endowments. We remember the decision of the government to review the fiscal regime of the mining sector, much to the chagrin of industry players. First of all, government in 2009 took a bold decision to revise royalties paid by mining companies from a range of 3 – 6 percent to a fixed rate of 5 per-cent. In the 2011 Budget Statement, the government of President Atta Mills went the step further of expressing a desire to review stability agreements signed between the Government of Ghana and a number of mining companies operating in the country in light of unprecedented high commodity prices. Government went on to set up a committee chaired by Professor Akilakpa Sawyer to review these agreements. Furthermore, oil production started during the tenure of the former President. To ensure the prudent management of petroleum resources, the government passed the Petroleum Revenue Management Act, 2010, Act 815. This Act has been hailed around the world as one of the best mechanisms for ensuring Ghana escapes the famous resource curse syndrome that has been the bane of most resource rich developing countries. We acknowledge the openness of the government that was demonstrated through continuous engagement of civil society in matters relating to the natural resource sector. The first National Mining Forum organised by the Minerals Commission and that brought together all stakeholders in the mining industry, including communities affected by mining, is a case in point. As we join the millions of Ghanaians and other friendly countries in mourning the passing of this great President, CeSIS wishes to call on President John Dramani Mahama to continue the legacy of his late predecessor. We would particularly call on the President to ensure the speedy passage of two very crucial bills that are still before the legislature. These are: Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Bill and Freedom of Information Bill. These two bills, when passed will further strengthen governance of the natural resource sector of the economy to ensure the sector contributes meaningfully to poverty reduction and sustainable national development. We commiserate with the widow, Dr. (Mrs) Ernestina Naadu Mills, son, family and the government on this painful loss; and pray that the good Lord receive him into his bosom. May the soul of Professor John Evans Atta Mills have a peaceful rest. Richard Ellimah Executive Director Tel: 0244 514 559 Frank Bannor 0246 416382 (Research Fellow) Stephen Yeboah 020 2718133 (Research Fellow) Prince Aboagye 0249 775522 (Community Relations Officer)