The board, management and staff of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) learnt with deep sorrow the sudden death of the President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency Professor John Evans Atta Mills.

The MFWA joins Ghanaians to mourn the loss of the late President and extend our profound condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family, especially the first lady, Mrs. Ernestina Naadu Mills at this time of grief and pain.

As a freedom of expression (FOE) rights organisation, the MFWA acknowledges the commitment of His Excellency Professor John Atta Mills to consolidating the culture of freedom of expression and media freedom in Ghana.

Indeed, under his leadership, Ghana maintained its international ranking and recognition as a country that upholds the right to free speech and media freedom. The setting up of a Media Development Fund under the President Mills-led administration was a further demonstration of his recognition of the importance of a free, pluralist and independent media for democratic development.

The late President's periodic interactions with sections of the media and his personal interventions to discontinue a number of FOE-related charges against some individuals and journalists were exemplary.

The MFWA wishes the new President, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, well as he takes the mantle leadership at this difficult moment.

While the nation continues to mourn our departed President, the MFWA wishes to urge the media to continue to exhibit professionalism in their handling and reportage of this unfortunate happening.