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10th anniversary of his death: Five epochal photos of John Atta Mills presidency

The late John Evans Atta Mills

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Today, July 24, 2022 marks exactly 10 years since President John Evans Atta Mills, the third president under the Fourth Republican Constitution died.

Government will hold an official ceremony in conjunction with the Atta Mills Institute, AMI, a body founded by Mills’ one-time aide, Koku Anyidoho.

This year’s commemoration is also significant to the extent that it will mark the launch of a redeveloped Asomdwee Park, the area where he was buried in Accra.

As part of GhanaWeb’s commemoration of Mills’ passage, we look back at five pictures that largely defined the three and half years that Atta Mills was in charge as President of Ghana.

Swearing in ceremony at Independence Square

Mills became president after his third try, having lost twice to John Agyekum Kufuor in 2000 and 2004.

In 2008, he forced a runoff against then opposition leader Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo before winning in what others say was his fourth shot. He was sworn in on January 7, 2009.

A photo of Mills swearing by the Bible at the Independence Square is our first pick.

Visit to TB Joshua’s Church

It is said that one of Mills’ first travels as President-Elect was to Lagos, Nigeria; where he attended a service at the Synagogue Church of All Nations, SCOAN.

He was hosted by Pastor TB Joshua in a service where Mills reportedly spoke about the role the man of God played in his journey to the presidency.

The photo of Mills at SCOAN HQ is our second pick.

Hosting Barack Obama

Every Fourth Republican President before Mills had hosted an American President with Jerry Rawlings’ meeting with Bill Clinton and John Agyekum Kufuor’s meeting with George Bush Jnr well documented.

Mills’ guest was perhaps the most significant in the general scheme of events. It was the first African-American president of the United States and at the time a global sensation.

Barack Obama’s visit to Ghana was well prepared for and executed and Mills had the honour of hosting the Obamas.

Black Satellites 2009 World Cup glory

Captain Andre Dede Ayew, head coach Sellas Tetteh and Ghana Football Association President Kwesi Nyantakyi led Ghana to a World title in Egypt in 2009.

The team won the Under-21 title after an enthralling final beating of all teams, Brazil, on penalties to claim the trophy.

Mills receiving the trophy from skipper Dede Ayew as his then Vice President John Dramani Mahama looked on is our fourth pick.

Mahama takes office hours after Mills’ death

Still with Mahama, he was constitutionally bound to become president when his boss passed on that fateful day, July 24, 2012.

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Mahama, dressed black suit with a black tie, arrived in Parliament at a time Mills was technically still president. He took the oath of office and took charge.

Mahama taking his oath in Parliament is our final pick.

 

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

Ogyem Solomon

Solomon Ogyem – Media Entrepreneur | Journalist | Brand Ambassador Solomon Ogyem is a dynamic Ghanaian journalist and media entrepreneur currently based in South Africa. With a solid foundation in journalism, Solomon is a graduate of the OTEC School of Journalism and Communication Studies in Ghana and Oxbridge Academy in South Africa. He began his career as a reporter at OTEC 102.9 MHz in Kumasi, where he honed his skills in news reporting, community storytelling, and radio broadcasting. His passion for storytelling and dedication to the media industry led him to establish Press MltiMedia Company in South Africa—a growing platform committed to authentic African narratives and multimedia journalism. Solomon is the founder and owner of Thepressradio.com, a news portal focused on delivering credible, timely, and engaging stories across Ghana and Africa. He also owns Press Global Tickets, a service-driven venture in the travel and logistics space, providing reliable ticketing services. In addition to his media ventures, Solomon serves as a Brand Ambassador for Alabuga, a prominent Russian industrial company, representing their interests and expansion across Africa. He previously owned two notable websites—Ghanaweb.mobi and ShowbizAfrica.net—both of which contributed to entertainment and socio-political discussions within Ghana’s digital space. With a diverse background in media, digital journalism, and business, Solomon Ogyem is dedicated to telling impactful African stories, empowering youth through media, and building cross-continental media partnerships.

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