July 24,2012 has officially gone down in history as one of the saddest days ever within the Ghanaian community. As the whole world mourns with us, we must really remember that our lives that we often take for granted sometimes is not of our own. When both Johns (John Atta Mills and John Mahama) woke up this morning, which one of them even knew that one would terminally end his term as president, while the other one began? Atta Mill’s death has deeply affected many of us and President Obama has joined in on our mourning. He issued a press release upon hearing the passing of his good friend which you may all read below:

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 24, 2012

Statement by the US President on the Death of President John Evans Atta Mills of Ghana

“It was with great regret that I learned of the passing of President John Evans Atta Mills of Ghana. I will always remember my trip to Ghana in 2009, and the hospitality that President Mills and the people of Ghana showed to me, Michelle, Malia, Sasha and our entire delegation. I was also pleased to host President Mills in the Oval Office earlier this year. President Mills tirelessly worked to improve the lives of the Ghanaian people.

He helped promote economic growth in Ghana in the midst of challenging global circumstances and strengthened Ghana’s strong tradition of democracy. Under his leadership, the United States and Ghana deepened our partnership in the promotion of good governance and economic development.

He was also a strong advocate for human rights and for the fair treatment of all Ghanaians. On behalf of the American people, I would like to offer my deepest condolences to the people of Ghana, and reaffirm the deep and enduring bonds between our democracies that President Mills helped to strengthen.”

Details on the cause of death for Mills is still uncertain however it is being rumored that he died while he was receiving medical treatment. Mills had been reported of being ill with cancer ever since he began his term as president, only for his sickness to worsen over the past couple of months. He even recently flew into New York earlier this month to receive medical care, only to come back home to die a few weeks later.

 

Chief Justice Georgina Theodora Wood swore into office Mr. John Dramani Mahama in Parliament as the 4th President of the Republic of Ghana and Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces.

President John Mahama will take over the remaining term of Prof. John Evans Atta Mills. We wish him all the best for his term and please keep Ghana in your prayers as the whole nation is going through such a difficult and trying time.