Papal condolences to Ghana on president's sudden death

July 30, 2012

Pope Benedict XVI has sent a message of condolence to the people of Ghana upon the unexpected death of the country’s President John Atta Mills.

Mills, who took office in 2009, died on July 24. Although he reportedly suffered from throat cancer, and had traveled to the US for treatment, his death caught Ghana’s political establishment by surprise.

Pope Benedict remembered Mills for “his years of public service and his dedication to democratic principles.” Mills, who had been vice-president under the dictator Jerry Rawlings, won election to the presidency after twice being defeated by John Agyekum Kufuor, in 2002 and 2006.

 

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Further information:

• Pope saddened by Ghana's loss (AFP)