The President of the African Union, Benin's President Yayi Boni, has described the death of President John Evans Atta Mills as "a great, great, great loss" for Africa.

Speaking to journalists after paying his last respects to the late President Mills, he urged Ghanaians to keep alive the unity and vision that he bequeathed to the country.

He recalled his last visit to the late President six months ago to discuss the crisis in Mali during which they also exchanged ideas on the future of Africa.

President Boni said he also found that the late President Mills had the same vision as the first President of Ghana, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, for the country. "It was a great, great loss for the country, for the continent and Benin".

The Presidents of Guinea, Alpha Conde, Sierra Leone's Ernest Bai Koroma and Senegal's Macky Sall also paid their last respects to the late Professor.**