Ghana buries late president Atta-Mills – Jonathan, others pay tribute

At least eleven heads of States and a delegation from over 60 countries joined millions of Ghanaians to celebrate the life of their respected leader, globally acclaimed for bringing dignity and integrity to African politics. His colleague heads of States including, the current chairman of African Union, President Yayi Boni of Benin Republic, President Goodluck […]

At least eleven heads of States and a delegation from over 60 countries joined millions of Ghanaians to celebrate the life of their respected leader, globally acclaimed for bringing dignity and integrity to African politics.

His colleague heads of States including, the current chairman of African Union, President Yayi Boni of Benin Republic, President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria, Mahamadou Issifou of Niger, President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea, President Faure Eyadema of Togo Republic,  Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma of Sierra Leone, and President Allassanne Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire.

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania, President Yaya Jammeh of Gambia, President Macky Sall of Senegal.

American Secretary of States, Mrs. Hilary Clinton led a power delegation from President Barrack Obama. South Africa Vice-President Kgalema Motlanthe was also present.

As early as 6 A.M, the independent Square, venue of the funeral service was half filled,  as Ghanaians colorfully clad in their funeral clothes ‘black and red’ thronged the place to witness the interment service for their departed leader.

The official programme formally began at about 10.38 A.M with the rendition of the Ghanaian national anthem.

Sounds from the late President during his memorable political life blared from the loud speakers. Some of the quotes went thus:”Brothers and sisters if we want development we all must be determined to live in peace. I have always preached peace, because I believe in peace. I am happy that the leaders of other political parties have headed my clarion call for peace”.

“The good God has given us everything in abundance. The question we should ask ourselves is, are we using them in the right manner?”. “Throughout my political life I have pledged that I want to make  a change, different from our politics of vilification”.

The Guards of Honour marched in and they were followed by mounted Guards of Honor and then officers carrying the casket containing the mortal remains of the former President entered. The Casket was decorated with the colours of the Ghanaian national flag red, yellow and green.

The call to service was discharged by the leader of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rt. Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Martey. He said the opening prayer. The National Chief Imam, His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Osamanu Nuhu Sharubutu said the Muslim prayer.

President John Dramani Mahama and some of his family member delivered farewell oration.

In his tribute on behalf of the family, Dr. Cadman Atta-Mills described his departed brother as a committed leader, who through political office sought to improve the lives of his compatriots.

He pledged to continue with the legacy of President Mills saying, “As a family we shall spare no effort (including creating special vehicles in his name) to keep his legacy alive,” he declared.

His only son Sam Kofi, who described his late father as’ My dad, my teacher, my friend’ also paid glowing tribute to his father and promised never tarnish his name.

His widow, Ernestina only said, “You were a blessing to me, Ghana, Africa and the world. Thank you, rest peacefully in the Lord”.

President Mahama said the former leader left indelible marks in the foot prints of history adding, “His Excellency President John Evans Atta-Mills was a good man, a very good man, and we pray that the Good Lord finds his soul a peaceful and blissful resting place.”

President Mills’ final resting place is Asomdwee Park, beside the Osu Castle, where he served Ghana in the highest capacity for only 43 months. His body was lowered into the grave at exactly 3.16 P.M. Most Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Asante, the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist church of Ghana, who officiated by his grave side prayed that God received the departed in his eternal bosom.

President Goodluck Jonathan moments after he landed at the Kotoka International Airport, Thursday night expressed shock at the sudden demise of the former Ghanaian leader, stressing that his exit had left a big void in leadership in the region.

He recounted how they both worked together to restore peace to parts of the region, especially Cote d’Ivoire. “He was not a greedy man. He was not somebody who was interested in amassing wealth”.

The Tanzania leader, President Jakaya Kikwete recalled fond memories of his departed colleague. “He was a good friend of mine. We got along very well. Ghana and Tanzania have had a long history of cooperation. We were together at the G8 Summit.

“He was a conscientious person, very articulate, strong politician, very pro-Africa politician, pro-people politician. We always admired him,’ he said.

Liberian President, Mrs. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf said late President Mills was a great leader, whom Africa was grateful to for his invaluable contributions to both regional and global politics.

The South African Vice-President, Mr. Kgalema Motlanthe, described the passage of President Mills as ‘a sad event, a great loss’ to Ghana and the continent, as he recalled Mills’ contributions to the strengthening of democracy in Ghana.

The President of ECOWAS Commission, Ambassador Kadre Desire Quedraogo eulogized the late leader noting, “He was a wise man. A man of dedication, and I want to salute his immense contributions to the objective of the integration of ECOWAS”.

Former Nigerian High Commission to Ghana, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro paid tribute to Mills saying, “He was a very transparent man. A man that you could not at all times doubt, his commitment to a greater Ghana. A team player, a man that my working with him at all times was a learning experience”.

Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State said “President Mills was a complete picture of resilience in politics, of patience, of focus, a great mentor of mine. And so for us Africa has lost a star in the firmament. We are consoled that he left a lot of legacies.”