The people of Ghana are in grief, following the death of President John Evans Atta Mills, who passed away on Tuesday (25/07/12). The 68-year-old president had earned respect at home and abroad for his economic policies and commitment to democracy and good governance.
The Vice President John Dramani Mahama, was quickly sworn in as head of state in a smooth political transition that is in line with Ghana’s constitution. Mahama will serve as caretaker president until presidential and parliamentary elections at the end of the year. Senior members of Ghana’s ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) have also pledged support for the new president.
President Mills has earned respect at home and abroad because of his contribution towards making Ghana one of the fastest-growing economies in the world and the fastest in Africa. He served as president when Ghana took on the mammoth task of dealing with its new-found oil wealth from offshore fields discovered in the last five years.
