Atta Mills lived as he preached, was a man of integrity — Mahama

Former president John Dramani Mahama has paid tribute to his late boss John Evans Atta Mills, praising him as a man of utmost integrity who "lived as he preached."

Mahama was speaking on Wednesday, July 24, after laying a wreath at the 12th anniversary ceremony marking Atta Mills' passing in 2012.

In a social media post, Mahama reflected on Atta Mills' selfless leadership style and commitment to transparency.

"He was a man who epitomised truth and honesty. From his life in Academia to his time as the IRS Commissioner, to becoming Vice President and throughout his presidency, he lived as he preached—transparently!" Mahama wrote.

"When he took over from the NPP government, he was the first to cut his own salary as a sincere gesture to show solidarity with the economic hardships faced by many Ghanaians," Mahama recalled, highlighting Atta Mills' passion for ordinary citizens.

Under Atta Mills' leadership, Mahama served as Vice President from 2009 until Mills' untimely death.

Reflecting on that time, Mahama said Mills "prioritised the needs of the nation over personal and political gain."

The annual wreath-laying ceremony gives Ghanaians an opportunity to remember Atta Mills' legacy of serving with integrity as many say.

In the words of Mahama, the late president remains "forever in our hearts" as a man who walked the walk of honesty and transparency.