General News of Tuesday, 30 November 1999

Source: peacefmonline

"Massive Stroke" Killed Mills, brother claims

Dr Cadman Mills, brother of the late President John Evans Atta Mills has unwittingly disclosed to Ghanaians what might have led to the death of Ghana’s president.

According to him, President Mills suffered a "massive stroke" on that fateful day and try as the doctors did, they could not resuscitate him (Mills).

Giving the vote of thanks during the internment service held for his brother, Dr Cadman Mills thanked the people of Ghana for their words of comfort and the military for "such a stately funeral".

“I would like you, Mr President, to convey to the people of Ghana our deepest gratitude for the words of comfort, for the solace they’ve given us and for the honour done our dear brother. I would also through you “(Prez Mahama), like to thank the Armed Forces for such a stately funeral that they organized in his honour. Knowing what a modest man he was, he probably would have been a little embarrassed, but the family accepts wholeheartedly on his behalf,” he said.

The mortal remains of President Mills were buried at a specially-designated place at the Asomdwee Park (nee Geese Park), Osu Castle, adjacent to the Independence Square where a two-hour burial service was held Friday. The casket containing the president body was lowered into the grave at about ten minutes past 3pm.

A two minute-silence was observed in his honour.

Earlier, the Independence Square and the streets leading to the Square were soaked in a sea of red and black as mourners paid their last respects to the late president who distinguished himself as a “King of Peace”.

At the Geese Park, the casket was taken from the gun carriage and carried by Warrant Officers of the Ghana Air Force and placed on the grave.

The military buglers sounded the Last Post amidst the booming of a 21-gun salute by a detachment of personnel of the 66 Artillery Regiment of the GAF.

To witness the burial were President John Mahama, the wife of late President Mills, Mrs Naadu Mills, Former Presidents Rawlings and Kufuor, among other dignitaries. The burial service was also attended by at least a dozen heads of state, and dignitaries from many countries across the globe, including Secretary of State of the United States of America, Hilary Clinton.

Also present were family members of President Mills, his son Samuel Fiifi Mills, the Clergy and all religious leaders.

Dr Cadman Mills, an Economist and an international civil servant, also used the opportunity to thank those who were with his brother and helped him while he was alive and inadvertently gave details of President Mills’ last moments on earth.

He praised all the doctors who tried to resuscitate the late President on July 24 when he suffered a massive stroke.

“It’s customary to thank people who do things for our loved ones after they’re dead. But it’s also important to thank those who were with him when he was alive and helped him throughout his life. I start with Ernestina Naadu Mills; ‘Thank You, Thank You so much for being there for him…my brother Sammy, who also struggled with the doctors to revive him on that fateful day when indeed he got the massive stroke…the doctors were with him all the time and they did the very best they could and we’ve nothing but thanks to say…,” Mills’ brother said.