President John Dramani Mahama has delivered an emotional tribute to the late Professor John Evans Atta Mills, describing his death as both a national tragedy and a deeply personal loss that continues to affect him fourteen years later.

Speaking as Ghana marked the 14th anniversary of Professor Mills’ passing on Friday, July 24, 2026, President Mahama said the country lost a respected leader, but he personally lost a mentor, trusted friend and guiding figure.

Mahama joined members of the Mills family, government officials, traditional leaders, National Democratic Congress members and other dignitaries for a wreath-laying ceremony at Asomdwee Park in Accra, where the former president was laid to rest.

Reflecting on their relationship, Mahama recalled Professor Mills as a gentle yet principled leader who remained firm in his convictions despite the pressures surrounding political leadership. He suggested that the late president’s lasting influence was rooted not merely in the powerful office he occupied but in the humility, integrity and compassion he demonstrated while serving Ghana.

“Fourteen years ago today, Ghana lost a president, but I lost a mentor and a friend,” Mahama stated in his tribute.

The president described Mills as a leader who proved that kindness should never be mistaken for weakness and that humility could exist alongside effective leadership. According to Mahama, Professor Mills showed that a person could occupy Ghana’s highest political office without abandoning decency or losing touch with ordinary citizens.

At a time when political conversations are often shaped by anger, division and personal attacks, Mahama said the life of Professor Mills offered a powerful reminder that leadership should unite, heal and inspire the population.

He further pledged to continue following the path left by his former boss, treating public office as a sacred responsibility rather than a reward to be enjoyed. Mahama said the greatest tribute Ghanaians could offer Mills would be to protect democratic institutions, respect opposing views, serve with integrity and show compassion toward vulnerable citizens.

Professor John Evans Atta Mills served as Ghana’s president from January 2009 until his sudden death on July 24, 2012. Mahama, who served as his vice president, subsequently assumed office following the tragedy.

Fourteen years after his passing, the memory of Professor Mills remains firmly embedded in Ghana’s political history. For Mahama, however, the anniversary represents more than the remembrance of a former president—it is the painful recollection of a friendship, mentorship and leadership partnership that helped shape his own journey to the presidency.