The mood in the Sunyani Municipality became quiet and solemn on Tuesday evening when the news broke out about the sudden and unexpected demise of the President, Professor John Evans Atta Mills.

The unprecedented event in the history of Ghana’s politics became the only and main issue of discussion at virtually all circles, ranging from the old market and lorry station, drinking spots and bars, food joints and shops in the central business district of the Brong-Ahafo Regional capital.

People were seen dejected, sorrowful and standing in groups, talking about the death whilst rhetorically and incomprehensibly posing the obvious questions why and how at this time in the annals of Ghana and National Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party such a huge calamity could occur.

The usual brisk night business, especially of food vendors at “Rex” in the heart of Sunyani was reported to have experienced low patronage as a result of the unpleasant and sad news of the former president’s death.

At the regional office of the NDC, party members, faithfuls, activists and sympathizers began massing up at the precincts around 1800 hours and by 1900 hours some party executives including the Sunyani Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Mr. Kwasi Oppong Ababio had arrived.

A sound system was set in front of the office, opposite the Sunyani Municipal Hospital playing mourning songs while the people, particularly women among them wailing uncontrollably.

Mr. Oppong-Ababio was seen shedding tears and unable to hide his grief and later speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at the Oti Yeboah Guest House (formerly Sunyani Catering Rest House), urged party members and followers as well as Ghanaians to see the sad event as “an act God”.

“It is God who makes and unmakes who gives and takes away at His own time. It is only Him who knows why He has called our dear President into eternity at this critical period”, the MCE added.

He emphasized the need for all Ghanaians to remain calm and tolerant of each other for Professor Mills’ death to even unite us more as a nation.

Mr Oppong-Ababio appealed to members and followers of the NDC to exercise the greatest degree of restraint to avoid all provocations and rather let the demise of their leader spur them on for resounding victory in the December polls.**