Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has expressed the need for contemporary Ghanaian leaders to emulate the character of late Prof John Evans Atta Mills.

According to him, the former President during his tenure, exuded traits which endeared him to many. He revealed that due to Prof Mills qualities as a leader, his contributions to the country’s progress still remains strong.

“It’s been exactly 11 years since you left us to be with our Maker on July 24, 2012… Prof Mills — you will forever remain deeply cherished in our hearts. May all contemporary Ghanaian leaders find the courage and character to emulate your worthy example.”
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa

Mr Ablakwa, among other things, revealed that the power of the late President’s example and the purity of his legacy continues to “radiate brighter and brighter each passing day”. He noted that Prof Mills’ legacy equally features prominently in the national discourse about how his exceptional qualities remain the only blueprint for the transformation of the country he loved so greatly.

Reflection on Prof Mills attributes as a leader

Reflecting on his eleven attributes of the power exuded by Prof. John Evans Atta Mills’ via his example and the purity of his legacy, in commemoration of 11 years of his transition, Mr Ablakwa stated that the late President had an authentic God-fearing leadership, genuine incorruptibility and compassion for the people he served.

Additionally, Mr Ablakwa expressed that Prof Mills also had an exceptional modesty and selflessness as he eschewed any form of profligacy, had belief in the youth and used political power for progressive nation building not to “witch-hunt” political opponents.

“By his unquestionable integrity, he earned enormous respect for the high office of President; Visionary leadership leading to Ghana’s highest GDP growth rate, record cocoa production and the most far-reaching public sector pay reform ever implemented; Never demolished national assets and never squandered state resources on misplaced projects of grandeur…”
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa

Furthermore, the North Tongu legislator recalled the late President’s famous surprise visit to the Tema Port following an Anas exposé. To this, he highlighted that Prof Mills hated corruption and did not shield corrupt officials or become a corruption clearing agent. Also, he explained that the late President did not harass or fault Anas for exposing corruption “even though he never made a deceptive song and dance in opposition about adopting the Anas Principle”.

“When corrupt officials are forced to resign, he never applauded them and never declared them innocent even before credible formal investigations commence.”
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa

It will be recalled that earlier this month, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) held its 10th memorial lecture in Sunyani in the Bono Region to mark the passing of former President John Evans Atta Mills.

Organized by J.E.A Mills Memorial Heritage under the theme: ‘The Man John Evans Atta Mills- Ten Years On’, the lecture formed part of activities commemorating the tenth anniversary of his demise.

In a keynote address, Dean of Students at the University of Energy and Natural Resources, (UENR) Prof. Dominic Otoo, described the late former President’s demeanor as a source of inspiration, as he stood against corruption and promoted the rule of law.

He stated that President Atta Mills in his reign as the commander-in-chief of the Ghana Armed Forces and an educationist, strengthened state institutions and encouraged good health for all, promoted equity by implementing a uniform pay policy for all public sector workers through the implementation of the Universal Single Pay structure otherwise known as Single Spine.

Furthermore, Prof Otoo described the late President as an oasis of peace and a peace maker hence the accolade ‘King of Peace’ (Asomdwehene) emphasizing that the late President Atta Mills made no disparaging comment, even when a section of the public spoke against his persona.