The Amnesty International has expressed its condolences to the family of the late Professor John Evans Atta Mills, the government and the people of Ghana upon receiving the sad news of his death.

A statement issued by the Director for Amnesty International, Mr Lawrence Amesu and copied to Ghana News Agency in Accra, said Professor J.E. Atta Mills had a listening ear, particularly to human rights issues and efforts to promote human rights and democracy not only in Ghana but the whole of Africa.

It said the former President was a great leader, a democrat and someone “we at Amnesty International and indeed all human right activists have identified as a great advocate for human rights”.

The statement expressed the hope that the immediate and future successors would continue to carry his good work in promoting development and human rights in Ghana and Africa.

It urged all Ghanaians to ensure that total peace prevailed from now, during and after the pending elections in the country since it was the only reward Ghanaians could give Prof Atta Mills “as he passed on from this world”.

In a related development, the Democratic People’s Party (DPP) has expressed its sympathy to Mrs Ernestina Naadu Mills, wife of former President J.E. Atta Mills, his family, the National Democratic Congress and the people of Ghana “for losing a husband, son and president .

A release issued and signed by Mr. T.N.Ward-Brew, expressed hope that the rancor and bitterness that were rife before his death would be a thing of the past and give way to an atmosphere of forgiveness, love and fellow-feeling.

The release advised Ghanaians to rally round the newly sworn-in President, Mr. John Dramani Mahama and give him all the respect and corporation that he needed in order to promote a climate of unity and reconciliation, “which is badly needed by our nation”.**