Accra: Mrs. Charlotte Osei, former Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, has expressed that the late President John Evans Atta Mills would have been outraged by the destruction caused by illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as 'galamsey'. Speaking at the 13th Anniversary Commemorative Lecture in Accra, Mrs. Osei highlighted Prof. Mills' dedication to securing Ghana's future and praised his legacy of peace, humility, and democratic values.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mrs. Osei reflected on whether Prof. Mills would be content with the current state of Ghana, expressing her belief that he would be disheartened by the environmental damage caused by illegal mining. She also noted his likely disappointment with the rampant spread of misinformation and hostility seen in the media today, particularly online, as well as the extreme partisanship that he found troubling.
Despite these concerns, Mrs. Osei remarked that Prof. Mills would find solace in Ghana's prevailing peace, the historic election of the first female Vice President, and increased youth participation in leadership roles. Prof. Mills, who served as Ghana's third President under the Fourth Republic, passed away while in office on July 24, 2012. He is fondly remembered for his integrity, humility, and commitment to democratic governance.
During the lecture, Mrs. Osei shared personal anecdotes illustrating Prof. Mills' modesty, selflessness, and openness to constructive criticism. She emphasized his administration's focus on expanding educational access, particularly for girls and children from disadvantaged backgrounds, while maintaining high standards of quality.
Former Chief of Staff, Mr. Julius Debrah, also spoke at the event, describing Prof. Mills as "one of Africa's greats" and calling upon contemporary leaders to emulate his values of humility, excellence, and service. The lecture was organized by the J.E.A. Mills Memorial Heritage, a non-partisan organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the late President's legacy.
Mr. Alex Segbefia, Chairperson of the Heritage, announced a series of commemorative events to honor the 13th anniversary of Prof. Mills' passing. These events include a wreath-laying ceremony on July 24 at Asomdwee Park and a memorial hockey tournament at the Theodosia Okoh Hockey Stadium.
