Obama,
Kibaki, Raila mourn Atta Mills
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Updated 6 hrs 11 mins
ago
President Kibaki and
Prime Minister Raila Odinga led Kenyans in sending condolence messages to
Ghanaians following the death of their President John Atta Mills.
At the international
level, US President Barack Obama and UN secretary general Ban Ki Moon too eulogised
Atta Mills.
Said Kibaki: “I have learnt with shock and
disbelief the sudden death of President John Atta Mills. His untimely passing
on is a big blow to the people of Ghana and the African contient.”
Kibaki added: “On behalf of the government and the people of Kenya
we express our deepest sorrow following the death.”
Raila said, friends and admirers of President Mills were many and
they looked up to him and his rise to the presidency as an inspiration, I join
the world community in mourning President Mills.
“I pass my condolences to the people of Ghana who have lost a leader whom they elected with a great sense of determination and in whom they had lots of hope.” The PM added
“In President Mill's death, Ghana and Africa has lost a dream and a promise.”
Raila recounted how he met with the fallen leader. “I had the honour of meeting President Mills in Accra in January 2011 as I mediated in the Ivory Coast election standoff. I can testify that from that meeting, I had no doubts that President Mills was a firm believer in a democratic and peaceful transfer of power as the only means of establishing legitimate governments in Africa.”
He added: “President Mills was unapologetic and unwavering in his support for ECOWAS plan to see power handed over to President Alassane Ouattara as the legitimate winner in Ivory Coast's poll.”
“I pass my condolences to the people of Ghana who have lost a leader whom they elected with a great sense of determination and in whom they had lots of hope.” The PM added
“In President Mill's death, Ghana and Africa has lost a dream and a promise.”
Raila recounted how he met with the fallen leader. “I had the honour of meeting President Mills in Accra in January 2011 as I mediated in the Ivory Coast election standoff. I can testify that from that meeting, I had no doubts that President Mills was a firm believer in a democratic and peaceful transfer of power as the only means of establishing legitimate governments in Africa.”
He added: “President Mills was unapologetic and unwavering in his support for ECOWAS plan to see power handed over to President Alassane Ouattara as the legitimate winner in Ivory Coast's poll.”
Raila said Mills fully backed ECOWAS' plan to use force to defend democracy in Ivory Coast, but only as a last resort.
President Mills' death is therefore a setback not only for Ghana but for the entire Continent of Africa.
“I appeal to the people of Ghana to stay calm and remain steadfast
at this difficult moment.
Ghanaians must never give up. I appeal to them to take this as another test on their faith and belief in democracy and the rule of law as the true guarantors of peace and stability. It is my hope that Africa and the world will stand with the people of Ghana at this time and in the days ahead.”
Ghanaians must never give up. I appeal to them to take this as another test on their faith and belief in democracy and the rule of law as the true guarantors of peace and stability. It is my hope that Africa and the world will stand with the people of Ghana at this time and in the days ahead.”
US President Barack Obama too joined the world in mourning Mills.
“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. “ Obama said in statement posted on White House Website.
Obama added: “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.” He said.
“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.”
“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. “ Obama said in statement posted on White House Website.
Obama added: “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.” He said.
“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.”
Moon said he is saddened by the death of the President of Ghana,
John Atta Mills, and offered his heartfelt condolences to the late leader’s
family and the Government and the people of the country.
“President Mills will be remembered for his statesmanship and
years of dedicated service to his country,” said a staement issued by Mr. Ban’s
spokesperson.
“At this time of national mourning, the Secretary-General renews
the commitment of the United Nations to work alongside the Government and the
people of Ghana in support of their efforts to consolidate the country’s
democratic and development achievements.”
According to media reports,
Mr. Mills, 68, suffered from throat cancer and died in a hospital in Accra,
Ghana’s capital. He had ruled the West African country since 2009.
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