In a powerful tribute laced with personal anecdotes and profound reflections, Mrs. Charlotte Kesson-Smith Osei, former Chairperson of Ghana’s Electoral Commission, delivered the keynote address at the 13th Anniversary Commemorative Lecture for the late President John Evans Atta Mills.
Held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) on Tuesday, July 22nd, the lecture centered on the theme: “Atta Mills, A Case Study for the Fourth Republic.”
A Mentor Remembered: Beyond the Presidency
Addressing a distinguished gathering including the Vice President, Speaker of Parliament, diplomats, chiefs, and the Atta Mills family, Osei began with deep emotion. She honored Mills not just as a
president, but as “a teacher, a mentor, and a father figure,” quoting Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari: “President Atta Mills was a good man; a very good man; one of the very best from our continent.”
Mrs Osei, who was taught by Mills at the University of Ghana and Ghana School of Law (where she won the prize for Company Law under his tutelage), and later appointed by him as the first female Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), framed her address through three lenses: The Man, The Teacher, and The President.
Part I: The Man – Character Forged in Humility & Integrity
Mrs Osei painted a portrait of Mills rooted in humility and unwavering integrity:
Foundation: Born to educators in Tarkwa, his character was shaped by a love of learning and “gentle strength.” His academic brilliance took him from Achimota School to the University of Ghana, the London School of Economics (LLM), SOAS (PhD at 27), and Stanford as a Fulbright Scholar, remembered as a “scholar-gentleman.”
Humility as Strength: She highlighted his defining humility, calling it “strength under control,” evidenced by his famous declaration: “I have always said that I will be President for all Ghanaians whether they voted for me or not…” Osei shared a personal story where she criticized presidential decisions; Mills later conceded, “You were right and I was wrong,” teaching her a vital leadership lesson.
Uncompromising Integrity: Citing Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, Osei emphasized Mills’ undivided public and private morals: “There was no seam dividing the public official from the private man.” His stance on corruption was absolute: “I would not spare any government official… found guilty of embezzling state funds.”
Peacemaker & Family Man: Mills was an “active peacemaker,” prioritizing stability for ordinary Ghanaians. His love for hockey instilled teamwork and fair play, while his roles as a devoted family man and committed Methodist grounded his values. “You can’t fake legacy, time always tells,” Osei remarked.
Part II: The Teacher – Nurturing Minds, Building Futures
Mrs Osei vividly recalled Mills’ transformative impact as an educator:
Chosen Path: He chose academia over lucrative alternatives, spending 25 years at
the University of Ghana. His classroom was a “sacred space” demanding excellence while developing critical legal minds focused on social justice. “Reputation built in silence lasts longer than applause,” she noted.
Master Mentor: His greatest strength was mentorship. “Professor Mills saw something in me that I had not yet seen in myself,” Mrs Osei stated. He actively championed young women and students, providing crucial support – like helping Osei ship law books from Canada while he was Vice President. He opened doors globally for students through his reputation and references.
Legacy of Leaders: His students populate Ghana’s legal, business, and political leadership. “Real leadership begins when you lose the microphone,” Osei said, underscoring his belief in empowering the next generation.
Part III: The President – Service, Youth & Stewardship
Mrs Osei detailed Mills’ presidential journey and philosophy:
Perseverance to Power: His path, marked by defeats in 2000 and 2004, culminated in a narrow 2008 victory, cementing Ghana’s democratic maturity through peaceful transfer.
Better Ghana Agenda: Centered on economic transformation, social development, good governance, and infrastructure, underpinned by investment in people, especially youth.
Youth & Women Revolution: His administration was proudly “a government of the youth and women.” He deliberately tasked aides to find smart young leaders from universities. Osei’s own NCCE appointment followed rigorous interviews
to ensure competence and non-partisanship. He appointed young stars like Hanna Tetteh, Haruna Iddrisu, Samuel Okudzeto-Ablakwa, and Omane Boamah to key roles.
Inclusive Governance: His philosophy – “President for all Ghanaians” – was operational, embracing diversity as strength.
Economic Stewardship: Facing the global financial crisis, he pursued evidence-based policies. He oversaw the critical start of oil production, emphasizing long-term development over short-term gain.
Democratic Beacon: Respected by global figures like Kofi Annan, Mills strengthened Ghana’s democracy through respect for the rule of law and tolerance of dissent. His death in office on July 24, 2012, was the “ultimate sacrifice,” followed by a smooth succession demonstrating
institutional strength. “He left… his country, better than he met them,” Mrs Osei concluded.
Part IV: A Mentee’s Reflections & Call to Action
Sharing intimate lessons, Osei highlighted Mills’ mentorship:
Key Qualities: Accessibility (even as VP, seeking out mentees), Authenticity, Patience combined with Challenge, and creating Opportunity. His response to her hesitation about the NCCE role: “if we all don’t do it, what will become of Ghana?”
Leadership Observed: Consistency across all roles (“The positions never changed Prof. They were… vehicles of service”), deep listening, meticulous preparation, unwavering integrity, and humility in power.
Final Lesson & Vindication: Recounting her last meeting where Mills was
distressed by media attacks, Osei advised detachment, saying “they would only appreciate you when you’re gone.” After his death, the “most beautiful tributes came from his most virulent attackers,” teaching her: “history will always vindicate the just.”
Conclusion: An Eternal Teacher, A Call to Service
Mrs Osei concluded by praising Mills’ “integrated life” – consistent character across all roles. She issued a powerful call to action:
To Youth: Pursue excellence, seek mentors, serve.
To Leaders: Invest in youth, lead with integrity and humility, remember service over privilege.
To All: Embody Mills’ values – honesty, compassion, excellence, service.
Quoting Mills’ commitment to youth dreams – “We must not destroy their dreams” – Mrs Osei urged the audience to nurture the next generation, open doors, and provide support. “May the memory of Prof John Evans Atta Mills forever be a blessing and a call to service,” she declared, expressing deep gratitude to the JEA Mills Memorial Heritage for the honor.
By Kingsley Asiedu
