John Mahama Takes Oath of Office as President as Mills Dies

Ghana’s Vice President John Dramani Mahama took the oath of office as president of the African republic on July 24 following the death of President John Evans Atta Mills on the same day.

In his acceptance speech at the Ghanaian parliament house in front of the country’s legislators, John Dramani Mahama bemoaned the untimely death of Dr. Mills, saying, “It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that I address this august house of yours.” He said it was the first time in the history of Ghana that a sitting president had died in harness.

According to Mr. Mahama, President Mills died at 14:15 GMT at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra after a short illness.

The new president said he was personally devastated, having “lost a father, mentor and senior comrade.” On his own behalf and on behalf of the Ghanaian people, he extended his deepest condolences to the Mills family. He described President Mills as a man who had the deepest respect for the office he held. He described Mills as a brilliant academic, having taught Law at the University of Ghana Law School, and a sportsman par excellence. He was a fine gentleman whose demeanor earned him the nickname, Asomdweehene. “He remained modest throughout his tenure in office,” Mahama said.

President John Mahama prayed that the finest tribute to be paid to President Mills is his [Mills’] desire to maintain the unity and stability of Ghana.

Mahama declared a week of mourning and requested that all flags should be flown at half-mast for those seven days.

The majority leader of the ruling party, Cletus Avoka, moving to adjourn the day’s proceedings after the swearing in ceremony extended his condolences and those of the House to the family of the deceased president. Seconding the motion, Minority Leader Osei Kyei Mensah said the suddenness of the president’s departure had rendered the nation sad. He implored that Mills’ death become a unifying force for Ghanaians.

Posted by admin on Jul 24 2012. Filed under top stories. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry