Accra: President John Dramani Mahama has stated that his government's 'Reset Agenda' is built upon the foundation of the 'Better Ghana Agenda' initiated by the late President John Evans Atta Mills. President Mahama made these remarks during a wreath-laying ceremony at the late President Mills' resting place, the Asomdwe Park in Accra, in commemoration of the 13th anniversary of his passing.
According to Ghana News Agency, President Mills passed away on July 24, 2012, which led to then-Vice President John Dramani Mahama being sworn in as President, in accordance with the Fourth Republican Constitution of Ghana. President Mahama emphasized that simply laying wreaths and praising President Mills posthumously is insufficient to honor his legacy.
President Mahama asserted, "The most authentic tribute we can give Professor John Evans Atta Mills is to carry forward the values that he held dear, to rekindle the spirit of humility and accountability, rekindle the spirit of ethical leadership that he exemplified." He highlighted that the late Prof. Mills championed justice not merely as a legal concept but as a lifestyle and believed that peace entailed fairness and dignity rather than just the absence of conflict.
Furthermore, Prof. Mills was an advocate for using entrusted power to uplift the weak, protect the vulnerable, and give a voice to the voiceless. President Mahama remarked that Prof. Mills' life serves as a reminder of the virtues of stillness, gentleness, and quiet conviction in a world becoming increasingly impatient and careless with truth.
President Mahama acknowledged the challenges currently facing the country, including an economy in distress and social divisions threatening cohesion. He noted that the enduring lesson from President Mills' life is that no challenge is insurmountable when leadership is guided by integrity, empathy, and principle.
He also mentioned that the Asomdwe Park is not just a resting place but a national symbol and a "living reminder of what our politics can be and must become," urging a focus on kindness, accountability, and the legacy of leadership reflected in the lives impacted.
President Mahama expressed condolences to the family of the late President Mills, assuring them of the nation's continued support and dedication to keeping his memory alive. He called on Ghanaians to stay committed to the vision of a united, value-driven, and peaceful Ghana that Professor Mills envisioned.
In response to a request from Madam Mercy Araba Quarshie, President Mills' sister, regarding the Mills Memorial Library at the University of Cape Coast, President Mahama stated that efforts led by Mr. Kofi Totobi Kwakye and a small group were underway to revive the project.
The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries including Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Speaker of Parliament Mr. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Chief of Staff Mr. Julius Debrah, NDC National Chairman Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketia, and NDC General Secretary Mr. Fifi Fiavi Kwetey. Madam Quarshie expressed gratitude to the President, Government, and the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) for organizing the event.