President John Atta Mills, who died yesterday aged 68, was a fellow African, a fellow Ghanaian, and, for me personally, a very good friend. Today our thoughts are with his wife, Ernestina Naadu, and son, Sami Kofi Atta, who have lost a model husband and father.

Our thoughts are also with the people of Ghana who have lost a leader.

Educated in law and economics, President Mills cemented political stability and, while presiding over Ghana’s first production of oil, he accelerated economic growth for the benefit of all in this fine West African country.

While other countries in the region have suffered war and political instability, I am proud as a Ghanaian to see the smooth transfer of power to Vice-President John Dramani Mahama, who takes the reins until Ghana’s elections at the end of this year.

This orderly transition is good for Ghana and Ghanaians. And President Mills believed in Ghana and Ghanaians. Losing and winning in several elections, he believed in political process too.

This and his personal qualities earned him respect from all around the world, as the plaudits and condolences from other world leaders show. Under his leadership, Ghana has cemented its reputation as a stable democracy, a model of investment possibilities.

The sorrow will linger, but when the tears have dried, we must all give thanks for his time.**