Ghana's President John Atta Mills has died unexpectedly, a presidential statement said, and an aide said his death occurred on Tuesday after he took ill on Monday night.
The death of the president of the world's No. 2 cocoa grower comes months before Mills was due to stand for re-election at the helm of the West African country that posted double-digit growth in 2011 and has been praised for its strong democracy in a turbulent region.
"It is with a heavy heart...that we announce the sudden and untimely death of the president of the Republic of Ghana," a statement sent to Reuters by the president's office said.
Questions about the late Ghanian President's health had been swirling for almost a year. Regarding his frequent visits to U.S. hospitals - 3 this year alone - President Mills replied: "I am going for a medical checkup. I go there to ensure everything is okay. I am going to see my doctors for some examination then I will come back and continue my work of building a Better Ghana."
His death reportedly occurred at the 37 Military hospital in Accra.
Prof John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills was born on July 21, 1944 and was 68 years old at the time of his passing.
He was the third and current President of the Fourth Republic of Ghana and was inaugurated on Jan. 7, 2009, having defeated the ruling party candidate Nana Akufo-Addo in the 2008 election.
He was last seen in Ghana on June 3 when he toured the plane crash site at Accra. The President was reported to be crestfallen for seeing the crash site. Critics however said he was looking poorly because he was dragged to that site when he was not feeling well.
He was expected to visit Nigeria in August for a one-day working visit with President Goodluck Jonathan to discuss the recent foreign retail trade brouhaha. Vice President John Dramani Mahama is expected to fill the executive's functions in the interim.
In apparent anticipation of a long period of incapacitation, the President had written to the members of Parliament with his last wishes. His letter, read today, to the MPs said: "In accordance with Article 59 of the Constitution of Ghana, I write to inform you that I shall be away in the US from Saturday, 16 June to Monday 25 June, 2012 for a routine medical check-up.
"During my absence the Vice-President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E John Dramani Mahama, shall in accordance with Article 60 (8) of the Constitution act in my stead. Kindly accept, Right Honourable the assurances of my highest consideration."
No plans have been announced as yet for his burial.
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It was sad to hear of the sudden death of Atta-Mills. May he rest in peace. I hope the beacon of African democracy can once again demonstrate steadfastness and resilience as they approach elections in December 2012. God Bless Ghana!
hum mm what a sad news to all Ghanaians Mr president John Atta Miss may u RIP we all love u God know the best for u .My u rest in peace we love u