On the ninth anniversary of the late President John Evans Atta Mills’ passing, former President John Mahama is celebrating the man’s achievements and exemplary life.

Speaking at the ninth wreath laying ceremony held for Prof Atta-Mills, John Mahama described the late President as a humble achiever, stating that he was very interested in uplifting the socio-economic circumstances of Ghanaians.

Mr Mahama explained that Prof Mills wanted people to live in dignity and prosperity, irrespective of where they were coming from or belonged. 

“Yes, he was a father for all! This was not all. Every sector of our national life, including education and health received massive boost and growth, particularly through investments in socio-economic infrastructure and human resource development.”

“Yet, being the humble achiever that he was, Prof. in tandem with the tradition of the NDC derived no satisfaction or desire to reel off his unmatched economic statistics in self-praise, when his work was there to speak for him," he said.

On July 24, 2012, Atta Mills passed on after ruling for nearly three years.

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

John Mahama during his speech, said he did not only lose a superior [he was serving as Vice President] on that Tuesday afternoon the news broke but also a friend and a mentor.

He added that Africa lost an exemplary illustrious son, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) lost a torchbearer.

“Nine years have passed but anytime we celebrate the anniversary of his departure, we are reminded of the values and principles he extolled and lived-by: a Leadership of Service, Compassion, Integrity, Humility, Sacrifice, and Unity.”

Mr Mahama urged members of the NDC and Ghanaians to be guided by the values of truth, humility, transparency and accountability that Prof Mills exemplified.

"Centuries will come and go, and monuments will rise and fall, but your name and memory, Prof., will last throughout the ages," he added.

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