A serious wreath-laying ceremony was held at Asomdwee Park in Accra on Wednesday to commemorate the 13th anniversary of the passing of former President John Evans Atta Mills. The late president, remembered for his humility, integrity, and unwavering commitment to peace, died on July 24, 2012, while still in office.
The event brought together dignitaries, family, friends, political figures, and members of the public who gathered under overcast skies to reflect on the legacy of a leader widely revered for his calm demeanor and servant leadership. The ceremony served as both a tribute and a national moment of remembrance for a president whose values continue to shape Ghana’s democratic journey.
Speaking at the event, former President John Dramani Mahama, who served as Vice President under Prof. Mills, recalled the eerie similarity of the weather to the day of Mills’ death.
“Exactly 13 years today we lost a very great man. The weather, I remember, was the same, and after his death, for many months, the weather in Accra remained overcast and cold, sweeping over the land. And so today is almost like the same day that the unfortunate tragedy happened,” President Mahama said.
A message at the ceremony also acknowledged the symbolic nature of the day: “He welcomed the dignitaries and family and friends to the Asomdwee Park on the 13th anniversary of the late John Evans Atta Mills under the gentle shade of remembrance to mark the anniversary of the man whose life, leadership and legacy continues to speak profoundly to the conscience of our nation from his grave.”
President Mahama said the pain of Mills’ passing remains fresh for many.
13th Anniversary Tribute to a Leader of Peace and Principle”
“13 years he may have passed, but for many of us the pain of the Prof. John Evans Atta Mills’ departure will always remain fresh,” he stated. “His sudden transition on July 24, 2012, not only left a deep vacuum in our political and national life but also in the hearts of those who knew him well, worked with him, and were touched by his quiet strength and unwavering humanity. This annual moment of reflection is not just a ceremonial act,” he said.
“It is a national duty and an occasion for us to pause and remember the values that guided the man we honour today which were humanity, integrity, discipline, and above all, peace,” President Mahama added.
“Prof. Mills was a real brave of leader. He stood tall not just in intellect but also in his moral stature,” President revealed. “He was always calm in the storm — a voice of reason, a voice of restraint, and a voice of hope. His was not a politics of insult or vengeance but the politics of service, compassion, and reconciliation,” he revealed.
“Even in the face of provocation, he responded not with anger but with grace. Even when confronted with betrayal or disappointment, he remained steadfast in upholding his principles. He never allowed power to change who he was. He remained until his last breath a servant of the people, a man of peace, a man of God, and a man of Ghana,” he added.
President Mahama highlighted that as he was a Vice President for the late John Evans Atta Mills and one who worked with him, he was close to him. According to President Mahama, he said he witnessed these values and actions particularly Prof. Mills’ concern for the most vulnerable in society and his efforts to extend opportunities to every Ghanaian regardless of background.
“He was not loud and flamboyant,” President Mahama emphasized.
The ceremony concluded with renewed calls to uphold the values the late president embodied peace, humility, integrity, and service to humanity principles that continue to guide national discourse more than a decade after his passing.
