President Mahama mourns with Atta-Mills family at Nkanfoa

President John Dramani Mahama on Saturday paid a glowing tribute amidst tears to his predecessor, the late President Professor John Evans Atta-Mills describing him as a man of faith who was "firm, humble and tolerant."

 He said the late President brought a new dimension to Ghana's politics, which was humility and peace, and that a tragedy has befallen the family of Professor Atta-Mills and the entire nation.

 President Mahama made the remarks when he visited the residence of the late president's elder sister's residence at Nkanfoa, a suburb of Cape Coast, to express his condolence to the family and mourn with them.

President Mahama could not hold back his tears as he narrated how President Atta-Mills mentored him until his death.

He was accompanied by a large number of government officials and party functionaries, including the Chief of Staff, Mr. Henry Marty Newman, Ms Hannah Tetteh, Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Kwesi Ahwoi, Minister of Food and Agriculture, Members of the Council of State and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives as well as Members of Parliament.

 A large crowd of mourners, including members of the various Asafo companies (warriors) from Cape Coast, clad in red and black, thronged the frontage of the house and along the streets, giving security personnel a hectic time controlling them, as they drummed and danced to Asafo songs with some wailing uncontrollably.

 Also present were the siblings of the late Prof Atta-Mills as well as family members from Ekumfi Otuam, Nanaben, Denkyira and Cape Coast.

 President Mahama solemnly recounted how the late Prof Atta-Mills entrusted a lot of responsibilities to his care, giving him a lot of space to operate and assuring him of his trust.

He said the faith of Professor Atta-Mills strengthened him and all those who worked with him, adding that, he had not only lost a father but a mentor.

He asked the family to accept him as a son and offer him the support and prayers he needs and expressed gratitude to God for granting him the opportunity to serve under Professor Atta-Mills.

 Mr. Newman said, he had known Professor Atta-Mills since 1966, describing him as a teacher, friend, mentor and a deep thinking scholar.

The Head of Family, Mr Ato Kakraba expressed gratitude to the President and his entourage for the visit.  

 

 

GNA