Ghana’s president John Evans Atta Mills has died suddenly at age 68.
Reports say President Mills cancelled meetings and was taken to hospital on Tuesday suffering from an unspecified illness.
President Mills was only months away from completing his first term in office.
Mills who celebrated his 68th birthday on Saturday, had recently received medical treatment in the U.S. and Ghanian media have speculated he was suffering from throat cancer or a sinus condition.
Today at DC, US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton sent her deepest sympathies to the people of Ghana and the friends, family, and loved ones of President John Evans Atta Mills.
Ms. Clinton says President Mills made a significant contribution to Ghana’s democracy and development, and forged a strong and positive partnership with the United States.
As the third president of modern Ghana, Ms. Clinton says President Mills has worked to strengthen his country’s democratic institutions and to expand prosperity for all of its people.
She adds that President Mills promoted regional peace and reinforced Ghana’s reputation as a leader in Africa. President Mills was a champion for his nation and his loss will be felt around the world.
“My thoughts and prayers are with all the people of Ghana during this difficult time.” -Ms. Clinton
Ghana was the first black African country to gain independence on the 6th March in 1957. Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was the first prime minister of Ghana. His first speech stated “Ghana, your beloved country is free forever!”
On July 2009, capping his historic visit to Ghana, President Obama told the Ghanaian people his visit to their country had been “particularly meaningful” and that Ghana sends a message to the world: “Democracy can thrive in Africa.”
The United States is committed to support Ghana’s democracy and development.
US cares deeply about Africa’s development and the millions of Africans, particularly those in rural areas, who strive daily for a better life for themselves and their children.
