The J.E.A. Mills Memorial Heritage has announced a series of commemorative activities to mark the 14th anniversary of the death of former President John Evans Atta Mills, with a memorial lecture, wreath-laying ceremony and hockey tournament scheduled between July 22 and 25, 2026.
Addressing the media at the Ghana International Press Centre on Wednesday, July 15, Chairman of the Heritage, Hon. Alex Segbefia, said the programme is intended to preserve the legacy of Ghana’s third President of the Fourth Republic and promote the values of peace, unity, democratic governance and human development that defined his public life.
President Mills died at 1:40 p.m. on July 24, 2012, becoming the first and, so far, only sitting Ghanaian Head of State to die in office. Before entering active politics, he was a respected legal scholar and academic who spent several years teaching and conducting research in tax law.
Mr. Segbefia recalled one of President Mills’ enduring commitments to national unity: “It will be my duty as President to heal wounds and unite our dear nation. I intend to pursue relentlessly all avenues for entrenching peace and unity in all parts of the country as I am enjoined by the Constitution to do.”
He said the statement captured the character and leadership philosophy of the late President, who became widely respected for his calm temperament, humility and commitment to national cohesion.
The J.E.A. Mills Memorial Heritage was incorporated on October 14, 2021, as a non-profit, non-partisan, independent and charitable organisation dedicated to preserving the former President’s heritage and promoting his vision of society. Its stated objective is to inspire positive action in strengthening democratic values and advancing human development.
Since its formal launch on February 1, 2022, the organisation has undertaken several programmes in pursuit of that mandate. Its most recent major activity was the 13th Anniversary Commemorative Lecture, delivered by former Electoral Commission Chairperson Charlotte Osei on the topic, “Atta Mills: A Case Study for the Fourth Republic.”
For this year’s commemoration, the main lecture will take place on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Kofi Ohene Konadu Auditorium of the University of Professional Studies, Accra.
The lecture will be delivered by renowned cardiothoracic surgeon and former Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng.
The event will be chaired by Ms. Hannah Serwaa Tetteh, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Special Representative for the UN Support Mission in Libya, who previously served as Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Trade and Industry.
Mr. Segbefia described the pairing of Professor Frimpong-Boateng, a leading figure in the New Patriotic Party, and Ms. Tetteh, a prominent member of the National Democratic Congress, as unique and refreshing, saying the two personalities represent a formidable combination.
On Friday, July 24, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., the official wreath-laying ceremony and memorial service will be held at Asomdwee Park near the Osu Castle.
President John Dramani Mahama is expected to lay a wreath on behalf of the Republic of Ghana. Other wreaths will be laid for or on behalf of Parliament, the former First Lady and widow of President Mills, Mrs. Ernestina Naadu Mills, the Mills family, the National Democratic Congress, the J.E.A. Mills Memorial Heritage and the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs.
The commemorative programme will conclude on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. with the President John Evans Atta Mills Memorial Hockey Tournament at the Theodosia Okoh National Hockey Pitch in Accra.
Mr. Segbefia called on the media and the public to participate fully in the activities, stressing that the anniversary is not only a moment of remembrance but also an opportunity to reflect on President Mills’ enduring message of peace, unity and service to humanity.
