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Diasporia News of Friday, 27 September 2013

Source: University of Ghana Alumni Association - UGAA

UGAA organises memorial tribute for late Prof Atta Mills

University of Ghana Alumni Association (UGAA) – UK & Eire

In Conjunction with

THE GHANA HIGH COMMISSION, UK & Eire

Present & Invite You To

A Memorial Tribute, Thanksgiving Service, Reception & Celebration of the Life and work of The late President of the Fourth Republic of Ghana

PROFESSOR JOHN EVANS ATTA MILLS

For His Contribution to Education

AT: WESLEY’S CHAPEL & LEYSIAN MISSION

AT: 49 CITY ROAD, LONDON EC1Y 1AU

ON: SATURDAY 26 OCTOBER 2013 AT: 5.30 PM

Followed by a Bespoke Reception of Food, Drinks, Performance of Music, Poetry & Dance

The recently revitalised UK & the Republic of Ireland chapter of the University of Ghana Alumni Association is organising a Memorial Tribute, Thanksgiving Service, Reception and Celebration of the life and work of the late President of Ghana, His Excellency, Professor John Evans Atta Mills for his contribution to Education.

Professor Atta Mills was the first Alumnus of the University of Ghana to become President and a sitting one to die in office.

Without a shadow of doubt, his untimely death quickly united Ghanaians in grief. People abandoned political affiliations and divisions, and dedicated their time and efforts to mourn the belated President fondly called by his admirers ASOMDWEE HENE because of his calm, gentle, God fearing and soft hearted but strict and upright nature.

Members of UGAA UK & the Rep. of Ireland members deem it fit to honour and celebrate the life and work of the late Professor for his academic achievement and distinction. We therefore proposed that we work in conjunction with the Ghana High Commission, UK & Eire and other interested Ghanaian and international groups to organise a befitting Memorial Tribute in his memory.

It is intended that the occasion is organised with a cutting edge, giving it a professional touch and style, with gravitas befitting a presidential personality of global stature. The presentation would have international flavour inviting people from the Diplomatic Corp, particularly those from the African states, the academic world including vice and pro vice chancellors, the church and clergy, the professional sectors, and the Ghanaian tribal/national community associations and so on.

HIS PROFILE:

He was educated, and became a Law graduate from the University of Ghana. He pursued postgraduate studies at the London School of Economics (LSE) and the School of Oriental & African Studies (SOAS) London, where he obtained his PhD in Economic Development and Taxation at the age of 27. While he was at SOAS, he was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship and spent time as a visiting Scholar at Stanford University, California, USA. It is on record that His Excellency, President Atta Mills was the first ever Fulbright Scholar to become President of a country. He was to be honoured by the Fulbright Society at a special event held in New York on 18th September, 2012.

He lectured at the Law Faculty, University of Ghana for over 25 years imparting knowledge to students there and several other institutions of higher learning. He became an Associate Professor of Law. His contribution to the University of Ghana was remarkable; serving on numerous Boards, Committees and Schemes.

He was also a keen sports man and played hockey for the University team of his time and the national team. As Vice President of Ghana, he still played for the Veterans’ hockey team. He served as President and member of various Boards and sports Association at the University of Ghana. Indeed, he spent a significant years of his life as a LEGONITE.