Thirteen years ago today, Ghana lost one of its most respected and peace-loving leaders, Professor John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills, who died on July 24, 2012, while serving as the nation’s sitting president.
His sudden passing at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra shocked the country and the world. Today, Ghanaians from all walks of life — from politicians and academics to civil society groups and religious leaders — are paying tribute to the man widely known as the “Asomdwehene,” or “King of Peace.”
To mark the occasion, the John Evans Atta Mills Memorial Heritage (JEAMMH) announced a series of commemorative events beginning Tuesday, July 22, 2025. The three-day programme honours the late president’s legacy of peace, humility, and dedicated public service.
Activities include:
A public lecture in Accra,
An annual hockey tournament at the Theodosia Okoh Hockey Stadium,
A wreath-laying ceremony at Asomdwee Park, where he was laid to rest,
And a memorial service to culminate the observance.
At the 13th John Evans Atta Mills Anniversary Commemorative Lecture, the Chief of Staff and Chairman of the Anniversary Planning Committee, Mr. Julius Debrah, urged Ghana’s youth to embrace the democratic discipline, moral leadership, and patriotism that defined President Mills.
“Let the young generation draw inspiration from his example,” Mr. Debrah said. “His ideals remain a guiding light for national unity and integrity.”
Legacy Projects Keeping His Memory Alive
Since his passing, Ghana has taken bold steps to immortalize the former president’s contributions:
The John Evans Atta Mills Memorial Heritage, launched in 2021, spearheads annual lectures, community forums, and educational publications to promote his values.
A new book, “Atta Mills Around the Regions,” was launched this year — compiling regional lectures held across all 16 regions of Ghana in his honour.
The annual hockey tournament continues to celebrate Mills’ personal passion for sports.
Key institutions named after him include:
The FPSO John Atta Mills, a floating oil production vessel,
A Community Day SHS in Ekumfi Otuam (his hometown),
A boarding house at Achimota School,
And the law faculty building at the University of Ghana.
Looking ahead, the Heritage has announced plans to establish a Presidential Library and Documentary Centre in Cape Coast, aimed at preserving his governance records and philosophy for posterity.
A President Remembered
President Atta Mills served from 2009 until his untimely death in 2012, becoming the first sitting Ghanaian president to die in office.
His administration is remembered for its commitment to peace, legal rigor, economic stability, and a deep respect for democratic institutions. He was widely admired across political divides for his humility, calm leadership, and unwavering dedication to national unity.
As Ghanaians reflect on his passing, the legacy of John Evans Atta Mills continues to serve as a moral compass in public service — a call for civility, compassion, and dignity in leadership.