The J.E.A. Mills Memorial Heritage has unveiled a series of activities to commemorate the 14th anniversary of the passing of former President John Evans Atta Mills, and President John Dramani Mahama is expected to lead a wreath-laying ceremony in honour of the late statesman on July 24.
The commemoration, which began yesterday and ends with a memorial hockey tournament on July 25, is intended to celebrate the life, values and enduring legacy of the late President, who died in office on July 24, 2012.
Announcing the programme at a press conference in Accra, the Chairperson of the J.E.A. Mills Memorial Heritage, Alex Segbefia, described the late President as a respected legal scholar, academic and statesman whose commitment to peace, national unity and democratic governance continued to inspire generations.
He recalled one of President Mills’ memorable statements on assuming office, in which he pledged to heal divisions and unite the nation, saying the quotation remained a powerful reflection of his leadership philosophy.
“The Memorial Heritage was incorporated on the 14th of October, 2021. It is a not-for-profit, non-partisan, independent, charitable organisation and seeks to promote President John Evans Attah Mills' unique view of society to cause positive actions in strengthening democratic values and human development. The vision of the heritage is to inspire humanity for a better society,” Mr Segbefia said.
He added that since its official launch in December 2022, the heritage had organised activities aimed at advancing those objectives, including last year’s 13th anniversary commemorative lecture delivered by a former Electoral Commission Chairperson, Charlotte Osei.
Lecture
Outlining this year’s programme, Mr Segbefia announced that the 14th anniversary commemorative lecture would be held on Wednesday, July 22, at the Kofi Ohene-Konadu Auditorium of the University of Professional Studies (UPSA), Accra
The lecture will be delivered by renowned cardiothoracic surgeon and former Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, on the theme, “President John Evans Atta Mills, 14 Years On.”
It will be chaired by the United Nations (UN) Under-Secretary-General and Special Representative for Libya, Ms Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, who is also a former Minister of Foreign Affairs and former Minister of Trade and Industry.
Mr Segbefia described the selection of Prof. Frimpong-Boateng and Ms Tetteh as “unique and refreshing”, expressing confidence that the pair would enrich national discourse on the legacy of the late President.
Other activities
The memorial activities will climax on Friday, July 24, with a wreath-laying ceremony and memorial service at Asomdwee Park near the Osu Castle.
President Mahama will lay a wreath on behalf of the country, while other wreaths will be laid on behalf of Parliament, the widow of the late President, Ernestina Naadu Mills, the Mills family, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the J.E.A. Mills Memorial Heritage and the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs.
The programme will conclude on Saturday, July 25, with the President John Evans Atta Mills Memorial Hockey Tournament at the Theodosia Okoh National Hockey Pitch in Accra.
Mr Segbefia appealed to the media and the public to participate fully in all the commemorative activities, saying they offered an opportunity for Ghanaians to reflect on the values of peace, unity and selfless service that defined the life and leadership of the late President.
