Damirifa due ne amanehunu, Egya Atta

The death was reported of Ghana’s President John Evans Atta Mills on Tuesday, July 24, just three days after he had celebrated his 68th birthday. Ghanaians mourned until their president is buried on August 10 in the nation’s capital.

The death of the president certainly came as a shock to Ghanaians as every death is, but not unexpected. Matters arising from Mr. Mills’s demise center on what must have caused the death and the lack of transparency on the president’s state of health. While some are calling for an autopsy report, government spokespersons are saying that it is not necessary because it is a personal and private matter of the late president. This has not stopped several Ghanaians from blaming the president’s death on his staffers.

Ghanaians on the other hand must be commended for allowing the democratic process to prevail. In some developing countries the death in harness of a president could result in confusion and instability. Within less than 24 hours as the constitution prescribes, a new president was sworn in by the country’s legislative body. By the time of going to press, a vice president has been approved for appointment to replace the current president who occupied the position. The smooth transitional process and respect for the constitution is another testimony to Ghana’s growing democratic credentials.

The response to President Mills’ death by Ghanaians is also another indication of a people endowed not only with the respect for the dead, but also able to bury their political differences in time of crisis. In an election year, all political parties have suspended their campaigns, and politics have been put on hold until the burial of the leader. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, NPP’s flag bearer had to break his campaign to join fellow Ghanaians to mourn the president. Ex-President J. A. Kufuor has also asked all Ghanaians to join hands to celebrate the life of the late President Mills. Most Ghanaians believe that Mr. Mills’ death would herald a new era of unity in the country.

Amandla joins Ghanaians in mourning the late president and urges all Ghanaians to take advantage of the good things that could emerge from such tragedy. Ghanaians should learn the lessons that have accrued from the sad event. In particular, uncivil political language, lies and innuendoes aimed at impugning the integrity and the reputation of political opponents should be casualties.

President Mills spoke several times against the politics of insults but could not make any meaningful attempts to stop it. We hope President John Dramani Mahama would go further to stop what his predecessor couldn’t.

President Mills had a peaceful and non-belligerent political demeanor and we urge Ghana’s political establishment to take a cue from him and to recognize that political differences do not mean and should not create enmity among them.

Damirifa due; due ne amanehunu, President Mills.