President John Evans Atta Mills Presidential Library inaugurated

By Jonathan Donkor/ Afedzi Abdullah, GNA
Cape Coast, July 26, GNA - President John Dramani Mahama, has urged political stakeholders to let the life and political posture of the late President John Evans Atta Mills, which was synonymous with peace and tranquillity, guide them.

This, he said, should reflect in the forthcoming elections.

He described the late President as a man who always sought the path of compromise to guarantee the co-existence amidst diverse views and opposing beliefs while maintaining tolerance of different perspectives.

The activities and utterances of politicians should therefore be the same, he emphasised

President Mahama gave the advice when he inaugurated the 'President John Evans Atta Mills Presidential Library' in Cape Coast on Monday as part of activities to commemorate the fourth anniversary celebration of the demise of the former Head of State.

The edifice, the first of its kind in the country, has a museum, which would be stocked with documents, records, collections and historical materials of the late President and other industrious Africans, a conference facility, offices and a centre to host researchers.

Sponsored by the telecommunication industries in the country in his honour and memory the library affiliated to the University of Cape Coast, would also hold series of lectures to benefit the many education institutions in the Cape Coast Metropolis.

Eulogising the late President Mills, President Mahama described him as a peace-loving man who prioritised peace above all, never responded when insulted as it was usual in the political arena and tolerated everyone's views irrespective of their status in life.

He said the country since 1992 had established itself as a beacon of democracy with six successful general election and peaceful transfer of power from one party to other.

President Mahama said the late President ensured a peaceful transition when he assumed office in 2008.

Touching on the library, he said it would be a research centre befitting the life the late Prof Mills who was a renowned academician, sportsman, a politician and a peace-loving Ghanaian.

On the proximity of the library to the historic Cape Coast Castle, he said while the castle told stories of the enslavement of the forefathers, the library would tell stories of a nationalist who positioned himself to the service and emancipation of his people.

Central Regional Minister, Mr George Kweku Ricketts- Hagan said the greatest tribute to the memory of Prof Mills, whom he described as an intellectual, is to make good use of the facility and urged all especially students in the region to use the library to enhance their knowledge.

Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, Paramount Chief of Oguaa, said the efficient use of the library would fulfill the desires of Prof Mills who was much concerned about education.

He said the former President complemented education in the region which was touted as the citadel of academic pursuit in the country.

The Minister of Education, Prof Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang recounted efforts that has gone into the establishment of the library and expressed optimism that it would be an opportunity for research on developmental issues.

Mrs Lucy Quist, chief Executive Officer of Airtel Ghana, who spoke on behalf of the sponsors, pledged their continued support for the facility.

The Vice Chancellor of UCC, Professor Domwini Kuupole made a case for the establishment of the presidential library indicating that aside from safeguarding presidential documents and being a centre for education, it would also serve as a tourist site.

He indicated the need for managers of the facility to build strong ties with national and international partners to make it relevant to serve the intended purpose while ensuring its maintenance.

The ceremony was attended by Former President of Malawi, Joyce Banda, her family and other delegation from the country and high profiled Ghanaian comprising Diplomats, Ministers, academics, project sponsors, political, Traditional and Religious leaders and family of the late president.

The Late Professor Mills, the nation's first sitting president to have died in office, passed away on July 24, 2012, three days after his 68th Birthday and President Mahama, then the Vice President, was sworn as President.

GNA