Eight days ago, Ghana lost Prasident John Atta Mills, who died a few hours after being rushed to 37 Military Hospital in Accra, the nation's capital. Ajayi Oluwapelumi spoke with some stakeholders, including Nigeria's High Commisioner in Ghana on the death of the late president.THE 24th of July will forever be remembered in the history of Republic of Ghana, not only was it the day late President Evans John Atta Mills gave up the ghost, it was also an historic day, as late Professor Atta Mills became the first Ghana sitting President to have died in power.Late President Atta Mills who was born on 21 July, was Vice President of Ghana under President Jerry John Rawlings and also vied for presidency in 2000 and 2004 presidential elections, but lost to the opposition party, National Patriotic Party (NPP).He was chosen as the standard-bearer of the ruling party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC)for the December 2012 presidential election before his demise.Until his death, late President Atta Mills was active, with his itinerary filled with schedules. Unfortunately, he gave up the ghost, despite earlier speculations about his worsening health, and rumour of his death few weeks ago, following his nine day trip to the United State of America on what he (Prof Atta Mills ) said was a 'routine medical check up.Unlike many other African leaders who gave up the ghost recently, Professor Atta Mills' death did not only throw an average Ghanaian and foreigners in the country to an unprecedented mourning mood, it has also affected the business activities in major cities in Ghana, as Ghanaian government declared seven days of mourning in respect of the late president. Nigerian High Commission in Accra was no exception, as the atmosphere of mourning and sobriety filled the atmosphere of the diplomatic premises. Nigeria High Commissioner, Ambassador Ademola Oluseyi Onofowokan expressed the shock he experienced at the news of the sudden demise of the late President, whom he had an appointment with by first week of August. 'It is very painful for me particularly because I was looking forward to the opportunity of meeting with the late President before the news of his death filtered in on Tuesday afternoon.'In fact, I was supposed to meet His Excellency in the first week of August, but it's unfortunate that our meeting is no longer possible. Believe me, it was unbelievable, because up till yesterday morning (24th), he was in his office, where he hosted some visitors.In fact, he celebrated his birthday with school children just a few days ago, and he was about to kick-start his campaign in preparation for general election in December. The sad news is indeed a shocker.On behalf of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and Nigerians as a whole, we do sympathize with Ghanaians and we pray God will give them the fortitude to bear the loss.'Commenting on the ability of the former Vice-President, now President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama to sustain the contribution of late Prof Atta Mills to Democracy and peace in West Africa and Africa at large, he said 'No doubt, Africa has indeed lost a great son. He has contributed immensely to the cause of peace in Africa, especially in our sub-region here in West Africa, but I am convinced the new President will find a way around sustaining his achievements.What we all need to do is pray for Ghana's unity and the very grace of God to pass through this very crucial phase,' he added.Relaying his un-official meeting with the new President, Onafowokan said, ' Incidentally, I had a chat with the former Vice President John Dramani Maham, now President, and if anybody had told him this past Saturday that he was going to be President in few days, he would not have believed it one bit.' Nigerian Tribune also spoke to one of the prominent friends of the late President John Atta Mills, who also doubles as the Editor of The Insight, a Ghanaian National Newspaper, Kwasi Pratt Jnr.Mr Kwasi was not only covered in a mourning cloth when Nigerian Tribune paid him a visit in his office, but also wore a depressing look. He spoke to Nigerian Tribune about his last moment with the late President. 'Actually, I have known the President for over 30 years, the last time we met was about seven days ago. I could remember vividly immediately I walked into his office, it was so glaring that he had lost his gaiety; he looked a bit down and was walking slowly.I could remember I said to him 'Mr. President, I don't like the way you are looking and he replied 'I am on drugs', that in a week time, he would be fit again.'And we spoke extensively on national and international issues. I must tell you that when the news of his death became public, it was really shocking, because just a few days ago, he addressed the press that he was fit to embark on his presidential campaign'Mr Pratt speaking on what he thought Ghana would miss most about the late President, he said 'the late President was an extremely humble man. He did not have the extravagant spirit that most African leaders have. He was a very simple man, because his door was always open to whosoever wanted to speak with him. He personally answered his calls and never looked down on anyone. He was an extra-ordinary leader. This was a man who was Vice President of Ghana for four years and did not even have his own house. That is the kind of man Ghana has lost as a leader.And I cannot afford to forget the courageous decisions he made before his demise. One of them was the letter he wrote to the President of United State of America, Barack Obama, demanding the release of Cuban 5, because he believed there was no reason why U.S should detain them. He took a courageous step against COSMOS Company that wanted to explore oil in Ghana, against Ghanaian law, despite pressure from the international community amongst many other bold steps taken when he was alive. His courageous decision making strength is a rare commodity amongst African leaders.
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