Prof. Mills’ 13th Anniversary Commemoration Begins July 22nd

The John Atta Mills Memorial Heritage has announced the the 13th anniversary activities for this year.
In a press statement, the Memorial Heritage slated 22nd July as the beginning of this year’s activities to commemorate the passing of the former Ghanaian President, John Evans Attah Mills.
Below is the full statement:
Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen of the Media,
Distinguished Guests,
All Protocols Observed,
On behalf of the John Evans Atta Mills Memorial Heritage, we warmly welcome you to
this press conference to officially announce the activities lined up to mark the 13th Anniversary of the passing of His Excellency, Professor John Evans Atta Mills, third President of the Fourth Republic of Ghana.
Thirteen years ago, Ghana lost a man of peace, humility, and deep conviction, a leader whose entire life was committed to public service, equity, and the advancement of Ghana’s democratic credentials.
As we commemorate his life, we are guided by these immortal words: “I came to serve; I have finished my time here on earth and have moved on to everlasting
rest… Weep not; for I am not dead. I am alive and awake in the Lord.
Ghana will not die; Ghana will live to declare the works of the Lord.”
These words continue to inspire the Memorial Heritage in our mission to preserve, promote, and project the legacy of Professor Mills; his values of humility, discipline, integrity, excellence, and compassion.
Since its establishment on 1st February 2021, the Memorial Heritage has served as a
vehicle to uphold the legacy of President John Evans Atta Mills through strategic programs, public engagement, and commemorative events.
In the past year, this commitment has been deepened through a range of impactful initiatives that reflect Prof. Mills’ enduring values and national significance.
We successfully held the 12th Anniversary Commemorative Lecture and Wreath-Laying
Ceremony, bringing together statesmen, academics, civil society actors, students, and
members of the public to reflect on President Mills’ life, values, and contributions to national development.
As part of our commitment to documenting his enduring impact, we launched Atta Mills Around the Regions, a remarkable publication that compiles all the lectures delivered in Ghana’s 16 regions.
The book also chronicles the early life of the late legal scholar, his
presidency, and the economic stability he brought to the nation, positioning Ghana’s economy as the most robust in the Fourth Republic during his tenure.
To honour President Mills’s passion for sports, particularly hockey, we organized the 12th
John Evans Atta Mills Memorial Hockey Tournament. This annual event not only celebrates his love for the game but also encourages youth participation in sports as a
tool for discipline, unity, and development.
Additionally, we continued our support for education by sponsoring academic awards at
the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), further reinforcing President Mills’
belief in academic excellence and opportunity for all.
Finally, we commenced work on a comprehensive documentary on the life and works of Professor John Evans Atta Mills. This visual project aims to preserve his story for future generations, highlighting the principles and vision that defined his public life and
leadership.
These initiatives reflect our broader goal of championing democracy, peace-building,
youth development, and good governance, ideals that defined Prof. Mills’ public life.
To commemorate the 13th anniversary of the passing of H.E. Professor John Evans Atta
Mills, the John Evans Atta Mills Memorial Heritage is pleased to announce a series of activities to mark the 13th anniversary of the passing of H.E. Professor John Evans Atta Mills.
- The anniversary commemoration will begin with the 13th Anniversary
Commemorative Lecture, which will take place on 22nd July 2025 at 2:00 PM, at
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the Ohene Kofi Konadu Auditorium of the University of Professional Studies, Accra.
The lecture will be held under the theme “Atta Mills: A Case Study for the Fourth
Republic.” - The keynote address will be delivered by Mrs. Charlotte Osei, former Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ghana. She is a seasoned lawyer and public administrator with extensive experience in electoral governance and institutional
reform. Mrs. Osei also served as Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic
Education and was Ghana’s first female EC Chair. - Hon. Julius Debrah, the Chief of Staff of the Republic of Ghana, will chair the event.
He is a seasoned public servant and former Minister for Local Government and Rural Development. Hon. Debrah is widely respected for his hands-on leadership, dedication to decentralization, and commitment to inclusive national development. - This will be followed by a solemn Wreath-Laying Ceremony and Memorial Service
on 24th July 2025 at 9:00 AM, at Asomdwee Park, the final resting place of President Atta Mills. This ceremony provides an opportunity for friends, family,
admirers, and citizens to pay tribute to a leader who embodied humility, integrity,
and selfless service. - Finally, the commemoration will conclude with the Atta Mills Memorial Hockey Tournament on 26th July 2025 at 7:30 AM, at the Theodosia Okoh Hockey
Stadium. This sporting event celebrates one of Prof. Mills’ personal passions, hockey, and promotes youth development and discipline through sports.
These events are open to the general public, and we encourage broad participation as we honour the memory of this selfless patriot.
Ladies and Gentlemen, as we prepare to observe these commemorative activities, we
call on: - The media to lend your voice in publicizing the events;
- Civil society and the general public to participate in large numbers;
- And stakeholders and well-meaning Ghanaians to support the efforts of the
Memorial Heritage through financial, moral, and intellectual contributions.
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Let us all come together to reflect on the values that defined Prof. Mills’ life and leadership,
and to recommit to building a Ghana that works for all. In conclusion, we wish to reaffirm
our unshaken commitment to preserving the legacy of President John Evans Atta Mills.
As we mark thirteen years since his passing, his legacy remains a guiding light for all who
believe in dignity, peace, and justice.
Indeed, this annual commemoration is not just a moment of reflection; it is a contribution to national development. By promoting leadership rooted in integrity, accountability, and
service, we help shape a civic culture that strengthens our democracy and inspires
responsible nation-building.
To the media, we say thank you for your continued partnership. To the people of Ghana, may this anniversary renew in us a collective sense of purpose to build a country of fairness, inclusion, and hope. May the memory of President Mills continue to inspire a
new generation of leadership rooted in values and service.
Thank you, and may God bless our homeland Ghana.