In a touching commemorative lecture held in Kumasi on Thursday, July 27, Former President John Dramani Mahama fondly remembered his former boss, the late Professor John Evans Atta Mills, as a man of exceptional integrity and modesty. Mr. Mahama praised the late President for his unwavering commitment to ethical leadership, a trait that earned him the trust and respect of many.
“Atta Mills was a man of integrity, and all of us can vouch for his integrity. He was a modest man and didn’t need millions of dollars in his house to survive,” Mr. Mahama expressed during the solemn event.
“Our economy is in crisis, and there are hardships across the land, corruption and theft have become the new normal and not the exception.”
“Impunity has enveloped our land and public officials carry themselves as if they own the country, ostentation has become the hallmark of the people in office and arrogance has become the prime character of the current leadership.”
“If you look at all that is happening today, they were completely contrary to the attributes that Atta Mills espoused,” Former President Mahama stated.
The commemorative lecture, which serves as an annual tradition to honor the legacy of Professor Mills, saw attendees reflecting on the profound impact he had on Ghanaian politics and society.
Mr. Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), highlighted the scarcity of leaders possessing the same attributes as Professor Mills in the present-day Ghanaian political landscape.
“For those of us who have worked with him closely, we will forever cherish his memory. That is why we continue to celebrate his life every year, not because we want to worship him, but because his attributes are in such short supply in Ghana today that we need to continue to celebrate him and repeat his attributes so those in public leadership today will learn from the man Atta Mills,” Mr. Mahama emphasized.
The late Professor Mills, known for his humility and dedication to public service, left an indelible mark on Ghanaian politics during his tenure as President, and his legacy of integrity and modesty continues to serve as an inspiration to many.
