A South African naval contingent parades outside Tuynhuys, the presidential office in Cape Town, for the arrival of Ghana's President John Atta Mills and President Jacob Zuma(PHOTO ESSAY: Ghana's President on State Visit to South Africa )

WASHINGTON D.C. — I was surprised and saddened to learn today of President John Atta Mills' sudden death. On behalf of USAID, I extend my sympathies to President Mills' family and all Ghanaians for their loss.

President Mills' lifetime of service helped to shape Ghana into a model of good governance and an anchor of stability for the entire region.

Above all, he was dedicated to the well-being of his people and sought to create development opportunities that would brighten the future of generations to come. When I met with him just a few months ago, he reiterated his commitment to the health, education, and food security of all Ghanaians, and I reaffirmed our strong support for his efforts. We will continue to strengthen the meaningful partnership between our two countries and further President Mills' vision of a better future for all his people.