Let’s honour Atta-Mills by living his values – Nana Oye 

Executive Director of the John Evans Atta-Mills Memorial Heritage, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, has urged Ghanaians to honour the late president not merely with annual tributes, but through a daily commitment to the values of honesty, peace, and principled leadership that he exemplified.

She made the remarks on Wednesday at the 13th-anniversary wreath-laying ceremony held at Asomdwee Park in Accra to commemorate the passing of former President John Evans Atta-Mills, who died while in office on July 24, 2012.

This year’s event saw the President of the Republic, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, and the Vice President in attendance, alongside several government appointees, relatives of the late president, and members of the public who gathered to pay their respects.

Speaking during the ceremony, Nana Oye described the late president as a leader who remained true to his principles even in the most difficult moments of political life. She noted that Atta-Mills did not shift his values to suit power, but rather remained consistent in both opposition and government. According to her, the greatest tribute Ghanaians can offer is to practice the values of accountability, humility, and service — values that President Mills upheld until his final days.

Nana Oye cautioned against reducing the former president’s legacy to a one-day remembrance event. She emphasized that the real honour lies not in the ceremony but in everyday leadership and citizenship that reflects his values.

She also spoke about the former president’s career as a lecturer and tax expert before his entry into frontline politics, highlighting his influence in shaping a generation of legal minds and his commitment to justice and public service. She said Mills carried that same discipline into national governance and used it to strengthen the country’s institutions under the Better Ghana Agenda.

Known as the “Asomdweehene” — meaning King of Peace — President Mills was celebrated for his calm temperament, ethical leadership, and refusal to engage in divisive political rhetoric. Nana Oye said he led by example, never resorting to insults or personal attacks, even under pressure, and proved that real strength lies in self-control and fairness.

“Ghana lost an anchor of the Fourth Republic — a symbol of political tolerance and pristine consciousness in a cutthroat environment. Prof lives on…” Nana Oye stated as she eulogised the former president.

The wreath-laying ceremony drew dignitaries from across political and civic spaces. President Mahama and the Vice President laid wreaths on behalf of the state, while family members of the late president, government ministers, MPs, and members of civil society also placed wreaths in his honour.

In her concluding remarks, Nana Oye called on Ghana’s leaders to recommit to the national interest, guided by the standard set by President Atta-Mills. She said the most powerful tribute the nation could give is to lead with principle, serve with humility, and always put Ghana first.