President John Dramani Mahama on Friday led Ghanaians to commemorate the 14th anniversary of the passing of President Professor John Evans Atta Mills with the laying of wreaths at his tomb at the Asomdwe (Peace) Park in Accra.

President Mahama said the greatest tribute Ghanaians could pay to the late President was their commitment to the principles he cherished and exemplified, including integrity in public life, respect for democratic institutions, tolerance of differing views, compassion for the vulnerable, and an unwavering belief that Ghana’s progress must benefit all citizens.

He noted that the late President’s vision of a peaceful, just and prosperous Ghana remained a work in progress.

“I pledge to the memory of President John Evans Atta Mills that I shall continue to walk in the footsteps he left behind,” President Mahama stated.

The President said Prof Mills’ dream now belonged to all Ghanaians and called on citizens to work together towards its fulfilment.

He also expressed appreciation to Mrs Ernestina Naadu Mills, former First Lady, and the Mills family for sharing with the nation a man whose life continued to illuminate Ghana’s path.

President Mahama said the annual gathering at Asomdwe Park was not merely to lay wreaths but to renew gratitude for a life that enriched and strengthened the nation.

He observed that while time softens grief and pain, it also sharpens memory.

“Fourteen years after Professor John Evans Atta Mills left us, I find that what endures most after his departure is not merely the memory of a President, but the memory of a man, a gentle soul whose character was his greatest strength,” the President said.

He noted that some leaders command attention by the force of their personalities, and that President Mills commanded respect through the strength of his character and his values.

He said the late President Mills believed that kindness was not a weakness, humility was not timidity, and decency was not incompatible with effective leadership.

President Mahama said the late President Mills demonstrated that one could occupy the highest office of the land without losing one’s humanity.

“I had the rare privilege of serving by his side. Beyond Cabinet meetings, official engagements and the weighty affairs of state, I came to know a leader who listened more than he spoke, who reflected before he acted, and who never allowed the burdens of office to diminish his compassion for the ordinary people he served,” he said.

President Mahama described the late leader as a statesman who commanded respect through the strength of his character and values rather than through force of personality.

According to him, Prof Mills believed that kindness was not weakness, humility was not timidity and decency was fully compatible with effective leadership.

He noted that the late President demonstrated that one could occupy the highest office in the land without losing one’s humanity.

He said Prof Mills’ leadership was anchored in conscience and reminded Ghanaians that history ultimately judges leaders by the depth of their convictions and the impact of their service rather than by the bitterness of political contests.

“That is why his legacy continues to resonate. He taught us that public office is not a prize to be claimed, but a trust given by the people to be honoured.”

President Mahama added that the late President understood that leadership was most effective when it sought to unite rather than divide, heal rather than injure, and inspire rather than intimidate.

He said Prof Mills’ quiet wisdom and steady temperament continued to guide him in discharging the responsibilities entrusted to him by Ghanaians.

The President expressed the hope that future generations who never had the opportunity to know Prof Mills would come to appreciate that true greatness is often quiet, genuine strength is often humble and enduring leadership is measured by service rather than acclaim.

The commemoration, organised by the National Democratic Congress in collaboration with the J.E.A. Mills Memorial Heritage, was attended by Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament, Ministers of State, Members of Parliament and other dignitaries.