In the mining town of Tarkwa in Ghana’s Western Region, a child was born on July 21, 1944, who would one day rise to become one of Africa’s most respected democratic leaders. His name was John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills, a man whose life was defined by service, scholarship, and sacrifice. Known for his humility, intellect, and unwavering dedication to the development of Ghana, Mills’ legacy continues to echo in the corridors of history long after his untimely death.
A Scholar is Born
Atta Mills’ early life was marked by a hunger for knowledge and a relentless pursuit of excellence. After completing his secondary education, he gained admission to the University of Ghana, where he earned his LL.B in 1967. But Mills’ academic thirst would not end there. He journeyed to the London School of Economics and Political Science, earning an LL.M in 1968, and subsequently pursued his Ph.D. in law at the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies, completing a dissertation on “Taxation and Economic Development” in 1971.
Returning to Ghana, Mills became a lecturer at the University of Ghana, where he taught law for over 25 years, leaving an indelible mark on generations of legal scholars. His academic career was decorated with visiting professorships in the United States and the Netherlands, and numerous publications, including the renowned Report of the Tax Review Commission in 1977, which influenced Ghana’s fiscal policy.
From Academia to Public Service
While many academics remain within the comfort of ivory towers, Mills transitioned into public service—a decision that would chart a new course for the nation. In 1988, he was appointed Acting Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and confirmed as Commissioner in 1993. At the IRS, Mills modernized tax administration and laid the foundation for what would later become the Ghana Revenue Authority, a merger of the nation’s revenue agencies for greater efficiency and effectiveness.
The Rise of a Statesman
Mills’ transition from technocrat to statesman came when President Jerry John Rawlings selected him as Vice President in 1996, following their victory under the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He served from 1997 to 2001, gaining experience and a national platform. However, when he later declared his own ambitions for the presidency in 2000 and 2004, he faced defeats to John Agyekum Kufuor of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). But Mills was undeterred. His resolve earned him the nickname “Asomdwehene”, the King of Peace.
In 2008, running under the slogan “A Better Man for a Better Ghana”, Mills once again contested for the presidency. This time, he distanced himself from the shadow of Rawlings and campaigned on unity, development, and social justice. After a nail-biting election and a run-off, Mills was declared winner by a razor-thin margin of 50.23% to 49.77%—the closest election in Ghana’s history.
A Presidency Defined by Prudence and Progress
On January 7, 2009, John Evans Atta Mills was sworn in as the third President of the Fourth Republic. His presidency was marked by discipline, humility, and visionary leadership.
He immediately introduced austerity measures to curb government spending, including reducing the size of the presidential convoy and eliminating redundant ministries. His administration focused on macroeconomic stability, bringing inflation down to single digits (8.4%), reducing the budget deficit from 14.5% to 2% of GDP, and stabilizing the Ghanaian Cedi.
Mills presided over the commencement of Ghana’s first commercial oil production in 2010, ensuring the country’s newfound wealth would be spent responsibly. To secure future generations, he established the Ghana Heritage Fund, a sovereign wealth fund fueled by petroleum revenues.
Under his leadership, Ghana’s economy grew at an astounding pace. In 2011, Ghana was recorded as the world’s fastest-growing economy, with a GDP growth rate of over 14%, driven in part by oil, services, and agriculture.
Social Policies and Human Development
Mills was more than just a technocrat—he was a humanist. He expanded capitation grants, distributed free uniforms and exercise books, and launched a one-laptop-per-child initiative to empower Ghanaian students. He oversaw the elimination of 1,700 “schools under trees” and introduced two new public universities: the University of Health and Allied Sciences (Volta Region) and the University of Energy and Natural Resources (Brong-Ahafo Region).
In healthcare, he expanded NHIS coverage, constructed regional and district hospitals, and upgraded Tamale Teaching Hospital. His administration scaled up the National Ambulance Service and promoted healthcare access in underserved communities.
Governance, Peace and Global Respect
President Mills believed in lean, transparent governance. He reduced the number of ministers by 16%, saving the state over $4 million annually. He initiated a constitutional review, reformed security agencies, and set up the Media Development Fund to promote press freedom.
Internationally, Mills was praised for enhancing democracy, promoting peace, and maintaining Ghana’s status as a beacon of stability. U.S. President Barack Obama called Ghana under Mills a “good news story.” He deepened bilateral ties with countries such as China, and advanced regional economic initiatives like the Eco currency project through compliance with key macroeconomic convergence criteria.
A Peaceful Warrior’s Final Hours
On July 24, 2012, three days after his 68th birthday, President Mills passed away at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra. His death shook the nation to its core—he was the first sitting Ghanaian president to die in office. Vice President John Dramani Mahama was sworn in hours later, ensuring a seamless transition and reinforcing Ghana’s democratic strength.
His funeral drew dignitaries from across the world, and Ghanaians—regardless of political affiliation—mourned the loss of a humble, peace-loving, and principled leader.
A Living Legacy
Though his presidency lasted just three and a half years, the legacy of John Evans Atta Mills is immense and enduring. He left Ghana with a robust economy, a strengthened democratic culture, and social programs that empowered the most vulnerable.
Monuments and institutions bear his name—the John Evans Atta Mills Presidential Library, Atta Mills High School, and an annual Memorial Lecture Series. His character continues to inspire a new generation of leaders—calm, courageous, and committed to unity.
To Ghanaians, Mills remains not just a former president, but a symbol of decency in politics, a model of humility in power, and a patriot who led with both his head and his heart.
He lived for Ghana, led with honor, and left a legacy that whispers through time: that integrity, patience, and peace are the cornerstones of enduring leadership.
John Evans Atta Mills — the Gentle Giant whose roar was quiet but powerful.