Diasporian News of Monday, 6 August 2012
The General Assembly of the United Nations paid a glowing tribute to the memory of the late President Johns Evans Atta Mills on July 27, 2012, in New York.
The President of the General Assembly, regional groups of the United Nations and the United States of America expressed their condolences, sympathies and sentiments to the government and people of Ghana.
The President of the 66th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, Mr Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, noted that as President of Ghana, the late President Atta Mills, was widely regarded as caring, principled and a dedicated leader, who made lasting contributions towards the advancement of economic development and good governance in Ghana.
He observed that President Mills would be remembered by millions of Ghanaians as a man of peace who was truly dedicated to democracy and worked hard for the unity and stability of his country. His legacy of hard work, integrity and sacrifice would remain bright and enduring for the people of Ghana and of the world.
Botswana, on behalf of the African group, emphasised that President Mills had a commitment to improving the lives and welfare of his people. Throughout his career, he fought for the social and economic empowerment of the average Ghanaian, targeted the less privileged and made conscious effort to reach out to them. He devoted his energy and attention to the transformation of Ghana and promotion of Ghana’s competitive edge in the global market.
Botswana noted that President Mills was a distinguished statesman, an agent of change and an embodiment of integrity and humility. He had an extraordinary temperament and rarely showed emotions even under most trying circumstances. She called for renewed commitment to uphold human dignity, democracy and accountable governance as the best way to honour his memory and legacy.
Germany, speaking on behalf of the Western European and other states, regarded President Mills as a great statesman, who led Ghana in times of prosperity and made Ghana an anchor of stability and democratic rule. Under his wise leadership, Ghana continued to be reliable partner for the United Nations with a balanced and prudent engagement in the fragile West African region.
Germany expressed her conviction that Ghana’s democracy would overcome the loss and the planned election in December would demonstrate the mature state of Ghana’s political culture. She wished President John Mahama wisdom and courage to lead Ghana towards the elections and prosperity during his tenure.
Bosnia and Herzegovina, on behalf of Eastern European States, remarked that President Mills was an outstanding political figure on the African continent and would be remembered for his leadership and dedicated service to his country on its path to democratic and economic success.
It noted that under President Mills, Ghana made notable progress in a number of areas of economic development in the midst of the global economic crisis. His dedicated work on strengthening democracy and good governance as well as significant contribution to promoting regional peace had been recognised by the international community. She expressed the hope that the legacy of President Mills would serve as an outstanding example in leading the country towards progress and prosperity.
The tribute on behalf of Asia and the Pacific States noted that history would remember President Mills for his dedication and long standing services to his country and his people. He was instrumental during the pivotal period in Ghana and the region’s history. It noted that the late President Mills worked tirelessly to improve the lives of his people and his efforts were brought to fruition in the economic growth Ghana had witnessed.
It added that his vision for the future had seen benefits from policies focused on investing in local people to ensure that they reaped benefits of economic growth. Under his stewardship, Ghana had been hailed as a model of democracy and stability.
Haiti, on behalf of Latin America and Caribbean States, paid tribute to President Mills as a great visionary and statesman whose life was dedicated to the advancement of his people, the continent and humanity at large.
She added that his life would always be associated with the glorious chapter in Ghana’s history. He left a great legacy in Ghana where Ghana was seen as a model of democracy internationally and a showcase for West Africa. She expressed the wish that his successor would continue with his good works and keeps alive his dream of a better world.
The United States of America noted that President Mills led Ghana through a period of remarkable growth and development. He worked tirelessly to improve the lives of his people by promoting economic growth in Ghana in the midst of challenging global circumstances and strengthened Ghana’s strong tradition of democracy. He pursued regional peace and reinforced Ghana’s reputation as a leader in Africa. She observed that during his tenure, he forged a deeper partnership between Ghana and the USA.**