Former Electoral Commission Chairperson, Charlotte Osei, has called on Ghanaians to rediscover the values of late President John Evans Atta Mills as the nation grapples with environmental degradation and intensifying political polarisation.
Delivering the keynote address at the 13th John Evans Atta Mills Memorial Lecture on Tuesday, July 22, Ms. Osei painted a sobering picture of present-day Ghana—one she believes would have pained the late leader, known for his deep commitment to peace, humility, and principled governance.
“I have wondered many times if Prof would be happy with us,” she said. “I think he would be outraged at how we are permitting galamsey to damage our environment and our future.”
Framing Mills’ legacy as a moral compass, Ms. Osei said the country must re-anchor itself in the ideals he championed—national unity, integrity, and sustainable development. She challenged both citizens and political leaders to rise above partisan interests and recommit to responsible leadership.
“As we honour Prof’s memory, we must also commit ourselves to continue his work. This is not just a responsibility of those who knew him personally, but of all Ghanaians and Africans who shared his vision of a better future,” she said.
While lamenting the country’s political toxicity and environmental neglect, the former EC boss also acknowledged the progress that would have made President Mills proud.
She noted that Mills would have found comfort in the resilience of his family and the achievements of his mentees, many of whom now hold leadership roles in business and government.
“He would be pleased that many of his learners and mentees are leading lights… and happy that the party for which he made so much sacrifice is back in power,” she said. “And happy that we have the first female Vice President.”
The event, beyond commemorating the life of a statesman, served as a platform for renewed calls for reflection and reform—urging Ghanaians to measure their national journey by the values of one of the country’s most respected leaders.
