Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has said that the late President John Evans Atta Mills was the best leader of Ghana’s Fourth Republic.
Speaking in an interview on JoyPrime, Kpebu praised the former president for his integrity and firm anti-corruption stance, stating that he would “without hesitation” choose Atta Mills as the best president of the period, despite his short tenure.
He acknowledged that the former president’s time in office was short but argued that the quality of his leadership far outweighed its duration.
“Atta Mills never took our pesewa. When the life of the leader itself speaks volumes, it helps to drive the nation,” he added.
He noted that such integrity strengthens the fight against corruption and accelerates development.
Kpebu further shared an incident which occurred at the Tema Port in 2011, where customs officers allegedly fled upon President Mills’ unexpected arrival.
“The president called them back and told them, ‘Look, don’t run away; I am human,’” he said.
Five Enduring Legacies: Remembering the late President Mills on his 81st birthday
Kpebu cited this as a testament to the respect and moral authority his integrity commanded.
He further suggested that the character of Atta Mills’ leadership influenced international engagement, noting that it contributed to former US President Barack Obama’s decision to visit Ghana.
“There are numerous examples that underscore Atta Mills’ character and leadership style. Any day, I would vote for Atta Mills. He stands tall among them,” he concluded.
John Evans Atta Mills (1944–2012) was a distinguished law professor and tax expert who served as the 11th president of Ghana from 2009 until his death in 2012.
He was inaugurated on January 7, 2009, having defeated the governing party candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo, in the 2008 Ghanaian presidential election.
Known as the “Asomdweehene” (King of Peace), he is remembered for his humble leadership and commitment to economic stability, which led to Ghana achieving record-breaking growth and single-digit inflation during his tenure.
Before his presidency, he served as Vice President under Jerry Rawlings (1997–2001) and spent decades teaching at the University of Ghana.
Mills was the first Ghanaian head of state to die in office, passing away in July 2012, and remains a symbol of integrity and peaceful democratic transition in African politics.
ID/BAI
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