Ghana mourns President Mills

Accra, July 24, GNA - Ghana is in a state of shock over the death of President John Atta Mills, who died suddenly on Thursday afternoon.

The death has been described as a big shock to the nation.

From under the trees, the roadsides, and at the pubs, Ghanaians gathered with grief and expressed shock at the death of the President, who was to lead the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), for re-election as Ghana goes to the polls in December.

Members of the Presidential Press Corps were equally full of grief.

Mr Samuel Ablordepey, a Journalist with Radio Gold, an Accra private FM Radio Station was full of pain, and to the point of shedding tears, eulogised the President as one of the best Presidents Ghana has had.

"President Mills is the first sitting President of Ghana to have passed on. God gives, and God takes away."

Mr Ablordepey expressed the belief that the President, having accomplished his work was resting peacefully but cautioned against the use of his death for political capital.

It was the hope of the journalist, the death of the President would unite the nation, and that Ghana's 2012 election would be held peacefully in memory of the late President who had emphasised his commitment to ensure a violence-free election.

Mr Felix Azameti, the President's still cameraman, said the President really lived the life of a good leader. "I'm downhearted. I thank God for allowing me to work for the President, who did the work for the nation."

Mr Azameti said he would wait, and support the line of action that would be taken by the party hierrachy.

Meanwhile, the Chief Justice, Mrs Georgina Theodora Wood, has sworn-in the Vice President, Mr John Dramani Mahama as substantive President of Ghana.

GNA