MILLS: THE MOST DEMOCRATIC GHANAIAN PRESIDENT

It is with much sadness that I write these words about our dear President who suddenly passed away a few days ago in the Thirty-seven Military Hospital at Accra to join our ancestors in the Asamando. My condolences go to his dear widow, children, and the whole extended family at Tarkwa in the Western Region.

Without any doubt, the former president will be remembered in history as the most democratic president that ever lived on the Ghanaian soil. He was humble and appeared at all times to be well-focused; even in the midst of his long illness he did not act erratic or cruel as was characteristic with many world leaders when they knew that they were nearing the end of their lives. As his opponents whenever some of us had criticised him as being “incompetent,” “bad leader,” “out of touch,” “too slow,” it was to confuse the low educated and the masses. Who am I to judge the competence of a law professor? When this had been done our distinguished colleagues and educated people found us all the more the empty vessels that made the most noises than he did. Indeed, the president will go down in history as the president who gave his earnest attention to the review of the constitution of the country, the pillar of our democracy. Notwithstanding his honest decision he made from the beginning concerning the employment of diplomatic approach to solve the Ivory Coast Crisis or Civil War with his famous historical dictum “di wofie asem”.

We have had many presidents, some living, others had already passed away, but President Arthur Mills will be remembered as one of the giants among them; the gentle manner he treated his opponents and critics will be emulated by succeeding presidents. This is all the more reason why people should not attempt to humiliate or cast insults on his critics, for he would not do the same were he to be alive in this sad and difficult time in the country. He was indeed one of the visionary leaders of our time!

Damrifa Due Obenfo Arthur Mills! Damrifa Due Ghanaman!

By: Desmond Ayim-Aboagye