Some students at the University of Ghana have paid tribute to the late former President John Evans Atta Mills, affectionately known as ‘Papa Atta’ and ‘Asomdwehene’.
John Evans Atta Mills, born on July 21, 1944, was a Ghanaian politician and legal scholar who served as President of Ghana from 2009 until he died in 2012. He was inaugurated as President on January 7, 2009, having defeated the governing party, NPP candidate at the time, Nana Akufo-Addo in the 2008 Ghanaian presidential election.
Previously, he served as Vice-President from 1997 to 2001 under President Jerry Rawlings. Mills further contested unsuccessfully in the 2000 and 2004 presidential elections as the candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Sadly, he was the first Ghanaian head of state to die in office.
He was married to Ernestina Naadu Mills (née Botchway), an educator, and had a son, Sam Kofi Atta Mills.
In life and in death, Ghanaians described him as principled, honest, dedicated, hardworking, effective, a reliable leader, a father for all Ghanaians, and a man of achievement. These are some of the accolades attributed to him. He is also remembered for having a fine sense of humor.
In honour of his legacy, Univers News engaged with students who shared their cherished memories of the charismatic leader.
“Professor Atta was a good president, respectful and very endearing. One of my fondest memories of him is his demeanor during his appearance at the Tema ports. He always spoke about peace, often in his local dialect.”
“My parents loved to talk about him, his humility, and how nice and calm he was. He was also a respecter of people in every way, and I remember when his death was announced, the whole nation was silenced and shock together with grief.”
For many students, it was his strong stance against corruption that left an impact on them. For others, his calm demeanor was one to yearn for in his public adresses. His death was one that shook many to their core, as the students described it.
“Of course, there is always something to remember about ‘Papa Ataa’. I remember, ‘Corruption and then cocaine is like cocaine here, cocaine there, cocaine everywhere.’ He was realistic about issues like corruption and the presence of cocaine in the Ghanaian economy. He openly acknowledged these problems and worked to address them.”
“Papa Atta loved everyone and everyone loved him, loved him, he was the embodiment of peace, calm, dedication and all. I remember his ‘ecomini’ comment, and the attention it got thereafter on that particular day. It is sad, we will never be led by a man of such charisma”
“I remember his soft voice, whenever he was making a public statement ‘my brothers and sisters’. It was calming, and soothing. I remember for a fact, he was my mother’s ‘best friend’, and his death shook her to the core. The man was a good man, even worn the hearts of many including his political opponents.”
President John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills was known for his commitment to peace both within Ghana and on the global stage. He was aptly called the ‘Asomdwe hene’, which translates to the King of Peace in the Twi language.
Rest in perfect peace, Asomdwe hene.
Story by: Cindy Selasi Humade | univers.ug.edu.gh
