Former Presidential Communications Director, Koku Anyidoho has described his work with the late President John Evans Atta Mills as a ‘divine calling’ .
He said the relationship reflected a teacher–follower dynamic similar to a biblical calling.
The former Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress recalled the circumstances surrounding his recruitment, saying Professor Mills personally contacted him on multiple occasions during preparations for the 2006 internal party elections.
According to him, the late President indicated the need for an efficient representative from the Volta Region to join his campaign team.
He said the region was considered a key base of the party, requiring a strong communicator to support campaign messaging.
Mr Anyidoho said he was initially asked to propose potential candidates for the role before receiving a direct offer.
He stated that the final invitation came during a morning period when he was engaged in his usual religious devotions.
He added that Professor Mills later explained the earlier interactions were intended to test his willingness to accept the position.
He also noted that he was informed there would be no significant financial benefits attached to the role at the time.
Mr Anyidoho said he accepted the offer immediately and indicated readiness to resign from his then-current employment.
He said he viewed the appointment as a higher calling to serve the former Vice President and academic.
“Sir, don’t worry. If it was about money, you wouldn’t have called me. I consider it a calling. I will resign from my job and don’t worry, by the end of the week, I will sort myself out.”
Koku Anyidoho
The former Communications Director said his loyalty was influenced by his respect for Professor Mills, adding that he was committed to the assignment without hesitation.
Koku Anyidoho drew a biblical comparison to describe his relationship with the late President John Evans Atta Mills.
He said he views the relationship as similar to that of Jesus Christ and His disciples, stressing the depth of trust and commitment involved.
“My relationship with President Mills, if you go biblical, I see it as like Jesus Christ and His disciples. Now, those disciples were not unemployed.”
Koku Anyidoho
He said he coordinated communication strategy from the Kuku Hill office during the 2004 and 2008 election cycles and issued key press releases, including a midnight statement aimed at managing electoral tensions.
Mr Anyidoho also said Professor Mills consistently urged calm during politically tense periods and avoided actions that could escalate public agitation.
He added that the campaign operated with limited resources compared to the incumbent administration, including during the 2008 electoral episode, which he said ended in victory for the party.
He further noted that after the election, President Mills insisted on relocating to the Castle despite concerns about the state of the building, and also sought to minimize disruption to the public caused by presidential movements on the Spintex Road.
Anyidoho Rejects Claims Of Power Struggles Under The Mills Administration
The former Communications Director also addressed long standing allegations regarding his relationship with then Vice President John Dramani Mahama.
He dismissed suggestions that his office overshadowed the role of the second gentleman of the land.
Mr Anyidoho clarified that the administrative structure at the Castle prevented any individual from usurping authority within government.
“So at no point in time was he going to allow anybody to usurp anybody’s powers. So it is just stories.”
Koku Anyidoho
He noted that his office was located on a different floor from the executive leadership.
He explained that the late President John Evans Atta Mills established clear boundaries for all staff and ensured that officials operated within defined mandates.
He added that experienced officials such as Mr Bebako Mensah were brought in to manage key state responsibilities.
According to him, Professor Mills had indicated early on the positions such as Chief of Staff or Secretary required greater experience.
He maintained that the hierarchy was strictly observed and that the Vice President’s constitutional role was respected at all times.
He further cited the presence of senior figures such as Professor Kofi Awoonor at the Council of State as reinforcement of institutional discipline.
He said the President did not tolerate indiscipline or disrespect toward senior leadership.
Mr Anyidoho maintained that claims of internal power struggles were unfounded. He stated that his role was strictly limited to communications and did not extend into governance decisions.
He added that the administration prioritised public interest over personal convenience during the early transition period in 2009, including infrastructure improvements such as the Polo Ground bypass to ease traffic congestion.
He continues to defend the legacy of the late President Mills, widely referred to as the “King of Peace,” and says he shares these accounts to correct public narratives about the administration’s internal operations.
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