President John Dramani Mahama has praised the late President John Evans Atta Mills for laying the foundation for Ghana’s ongoing reset agenda through his visionary leadership under the “Better Ghana” initiative.
Speaking at the 13th anniversary wreath-laying ceremony at the Asomdwe Park yesterday, President Mahama highlighted the critical role the late Professor Mills played in setting Ghana on a transformative path.
“President Mills governed this country with a deep moral compass. He placed truth over expedience, people over politics, and the country over self,” President Mahama stated.
He further emphasised, “Let me state for emphasis that our reset agenda today rests on the ‘Better Ghana’ agenda foundation laid by Professor J.E.A. Mills.”
According to him, Professor Mills’ values of humility, truthfulness, and ethical leadership were instrumental in Ghana’s socio-economic development and remain relevant today.
President Mahama pledged to uphold these ideals in his public service, stressing the need for leaders and citizens alike to emulate the late president’s legacy.
“It is not enough to lay a wreath in his honour. The most authentic tribute we can give to Prof. Mills is to carry forward the values he held dear and rekindle the spirit of humility and accountability he exemplified,” he said.
He also assured the family of continued government support in honour of Professor Mills’ legacy.
Chairman of the J.E.A. Mills Memorial Heritage and Chief of Staff at the Office of the Vice President, Mr Alex Segbefia, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to preserving the values and principles championed by the late president.
Mrs Mercy Araba Ahema Quarshie, sister of the late president, expressed appreciation to the government and the public for their consistent support since his passing. She also thanked the Memorial Heritage for its dedication in organising the annual event and related activities, including the annual Mills Lecture.
Mrs Quarshie appealed to President Mahama to refurbish the J.E.A. Mills Presidential Library in the Central Region, which was constructed a decade ago and is currently in poor condition.
The wreath-laying ceremony was marked by solemnity and reflection. The first wreath was laid by the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, on behalf of the late president’s wife. She was assisted by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Ms Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, and Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mrs Emelia Arthur.
President Mahama laid the second wreath on behalf of the nation, supported by Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang. Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban Bagbin, laid the third wreath on behalf of Parliament.
The fourth wreath was laid by Mrs Quarshie for the family, while the fifth and sixth were laid by NDC National Chairman, Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia, and Mr Segbefia for the party and the Memorial Heritage, respectively.
The event also featured a homily by Bishop Clive Mould of Action Chapel International, with prayers offered for the family, government, and the nation.
BY BENJAMIN ARCTON-TETTEY
