Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
The flag-bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Akufo-Addo, who is currently on a campaign tour of the Western Region, has suspended the tour and headed for Accra following the death of President John Evans Atta Mills.
Following on the heels of the suspension is an expression of regret and shock by the NPP in a statement signed by National Chairman Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey.
It said the NPP had heard with deepest regret the news of the death of the president, HE John Evans Atta Mills.
The party, the statement said, “joins the nation in mourning this sad loss to Ghana and extends to his wife and family, our deepest condolences.”
The party also extended its condolences to the NDC and as a mark of respect, “the NPP immediately suspends the celebration of its 20th anniversary of the party”.
Accordingly, the statement added, “our presidential candidate, Nana Akufo Addo, has suspended his campaign immediately”, stating, “We call on our fellow Ghanaians at home and abroad and friends of Ghana to join us and pray for his soul to rest in peace.”
In a related development, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, in a statement from London, commiserated with people of Ghana over the death of President Mills.
“On behalf of the Commonwealth, I convey our deepest condolences to the family of late President John Atta Mills, and to the Government and people of Ghana,” said a statement signed by Kamalesh Sharma, Commonwealth Secretary-General.
“President Atta-Mills was an inspiring leader of Ghana and a true Commonwealth champion, who will be sorely missed at home and internationally. He was a strong advocate and supporter of the Commonwealth, and our membership benefited enormously from his active participation in Commonwealth life and his wisdom. Ghana was the first independent nation from Africa to join the modern Commonwealth and made impressive strides under his leadership, in both the fields of democracy and development. I remember with great warmth, my official visit to Ghana in 2009 and the very fruitful interaction that we had.
“The Commonwealth stands in solidarity with Ghana at this time of sadness and bereavement. Our thoughts are with the family of President Atta-Mills. May his soul rest in peace.”
CDD Mourns Atta Mills
The Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has said it has learnt with deep sorrow the sudden death of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Ghana, Professor John Evans Atta Mills.
“CDD-Ghana joins Ghanaians all over the world in mourning the passing away of our President and to express our condolences to the first lady, Mrs. Ernestina Naadu Mills and the family of the President,” a statement signed by Theodore Dzeble, Public Affairs/Communications Officer, said.
CDD said President Mills served the nation in various capacities in academia, public service, and for almost eight years as vice president and president of this great nation.
“It is our hope that we unite in giving him a befitting burial.
In times like this, it is of utmost importance that we are guided by the dictates of the Constitution. Ghanaians should also be mindful of our civic duty to ensure that our national and collective interests are served and protected,” it said.
By AR Gomda
