From: Patrick G. Awuah, Jr.
Date: 25th July, 2012
We are all saddened by the news of President John Atta Mills’ death yesterday. President Mills was widely recognized as a man of deep faith, and a champion of human rights and peace. He will be remembered fondly by all of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and his wife, First Lady Ernestina Naadu Mills.
As we mourn the sad event of yesterday, let us also pause to recognize and thank the leaders of Ghana’s democratic institutions – the Executive Branch, the Parliament, and the Supreme Court – for the remarkable work they are doing to shepherd Ghana through this transition. It is a real testament to the leaders of Ghana that Vice President John Dramani Mahama was sworn in as president by the Chief Justice, at an emergency sitting of Parliament, just a few hours after President Mills’ passing. Many thanks too, to the leaders of opposition parties who have called for a spirit of unity at this difficult time. This solemn and orderly transition demonstrates the growing strength of Ghana’s democracy. I am convinced that Ghana’s response in the coming days and months will show the world and the international members of the Ashesi Community – foreign students, visiting faculty and donors – that Ghana is firmly on the path of stability and development.
Finally, let us all extend our heartfelt gratitude to President John Mahama for the task he takes on today, to guide the ship of the Ghanaian state. I was personally struck by President Mahama’s commitment to Ghana’s development and especially to the youth of this country during my conversations with him when he came to speak at our campus inauguration last year. And I was thrilled by his embrace of Ashesi’s model of fostering critical thinking, ethical wisdom, and innovation. On behalf of the Ashesi Community and on my own behalf, I wish President Mahama Godspeed in his new role at the helm of Ghana.