Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Bagbin has paid tribute to the late President John Evans Atta Mills, describing him as a humble and principled leader who remained closely connected to ordinary Ghanaians throughout his presidency.
Speaking at a wreath-laying ceremony at Asomdwee Park in Accra on Friday to commemorate the 14th anniversary of Professor Mills’ passing, Bagbin said the former president never allowed the privileges of office to separate him from the people he served.
“He listened before he decided. He consulted before he acted. And he never let the trappings of power distance him from the people he served,” the Speaker said.
Bagbin recalled the years he and Professor Mills spent in opposition before the National Democratic Congress (NDC) returned to power in 2009, describing the late president as a calm and steadfast leader whose principles never changed despite political challenges.
“I remember with fondness how we stood together through the long, difficult season of eight opposition years, when conviction was tested daily and when the path to power seemed distant,” he said.
According to the Speaker, Professor Mills remained patient, optimistic and confident during difficult times, choosing principle over political expediency.
“Even then, his temperament never wavered. He was patient where others were anxious. He was optimistic while others were pessimistic. He was confident while others yielded to fear. President Mills was measured where others were combative. He was always guided by principle rather than convenience,” Bagbin stated.
The Speaker also reflected on his experience serving under Professor Mills’ administration, first as Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business in Parliament, and later as Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing and Minister for Health.
He said those roles allowed him to witness first-hand the late president’s leadership style.
“With that closer proximity to his leadership, I came to know a president who governed the way he had campaigned, with the same humility, the same quiet integrity and the same good heart,” Bagbin said.
READ ALSO:
Mahama pledges to uphold Atta Mills’ legacy of integrity and service
Ghana marks 14 years of Atta Mills’ death with wreath-laying ceremony [Photos]
