John Atta Mills Biography: Obituary, Age, Net Worth, Parents, Siblings, Political Party, Wife, Children

  John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills was a Ghanaian politician and legal scholar who served as the 11th President of Ghana from 7 January 2009 until his passing on 24 July 2012.

He assumed office after defeating the governing party’s candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo, in the 2008 presidential election.

Before his presidency, Mills served as Ghana’s third Vice President from 1997 to 2001 under President Jerry John Rawlings.

A prominent member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mills also ran as the party’s presidential candidate in the 2000 and 2004 elections but was unsuccessful on both occasions.

Profile

• Full Name: John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills
• Stage Name: John Atta Mills
• Born: 21 July 1944
• Death date: 24 July 2012
• Age: 68 years old
• Birthplace: Tarkwa, Ghana
• Nationality: Ghanaian
• Occupation: Ghanaian politician and legal scholar
• Height: Unknown
• Parent: John Atta Mills Sr. and Mercy Dawson Amoah.
• Siblings: 6
• Spouse: Ernestina Naadu Mills (m. ?–2012)
• Children: Sam Kofi Atta Mills
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: Unknown

Early Life And Education

John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills was born on 21 July 1944 in Tarkwa, Gold Coast (now Ghana), to John Atta Mills Sr. and Mercy Dawson Amoah. His father, an educationist, taught at the Komenda Teacher Training College.

Mills was the second child and first son among seven siblings. Mills completed his secondary education at Achimota School, earning his Ordinary Level Certificate in 1961 and Advanced Level Certificate in 1963.

He proceeded to the University of Ghana, obtaining a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree and a professional law certificate in 1967. His academic excellence set the foundation for his future achievements. In pursuit of advanced studies, Mills attended the London School of Economics, earning an LL.M. in 1968.

He furthered his education at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, completing a Ph.D. in Law in 1971. He hailed from the Fante ethnic group, specifically Ekumfi Otuam in Ghana’s Central Region, and practised Christianity throughout his life.

Career

John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills began his professional career as a lecturer at the Faculty of Law at the University of Ghana, where he taught for nearly 25 years.

In 1971, he was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship, which allowed him to study at Stanford Law School in the United States. His transition to public service began in 1988 when he became the acting commissioner of Ghana’s Internal Revenue Service, later rising to the position of substantive commissioner.

Mills entered politics as Vice President of Ghana from 1997 to 2001 under President Jerry Rawlings, representing the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Despite losing the 2000 and 2004 presidential elections, he remained prominent in Ghanaian politics.

In the 2008 presidential elections, Mills distanced himself from Rawlings and campaigned on a platform of social democracy and economic reform. His campaign emphasized the importance of poverty alleviation and responsible governance, resonating with many Ghanaians.

Mills narrowly defeated Nana Akufo-Addo in a historic election marked by its peaceful power transfer, a significant achievement in Ghana’s democratic journey. His victory reinforced the country’s reputation as a beacon of stability and democratic governance in Africa.

Sworn in as President on January 7, 2009, Mills prioritized improving the living standards of Ghanaians through fiscal discipline and equitable management of oil revenues following Ghana’s first commercial oil production in 2010.

His administration implemented key policies, including increasing cocoa prices for farmers, expanding rural electricity coverage, and establishing the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority to address developmental imbalances in northern Ghana.

These efforts earned him recognition for his focus on social welfare and economic progress. Despite his achievements, Mills faced health challenges during his presidency, sparking widespread speculation about his condition.

Tragically, he passed away on July 24, 2012, just months before the next presidential election. His legacy is remembered for his dedication to democracy, social welfare, and economic reform, leaving an enduring mark on Ghana’s political and developmental landscape.

Social Media

John does not have any active social media accounts.

Personal Life

John Atta Mills married Ernestina Naadu Mills (née Botchway), an educator and former First Lady of Ghana. They had one son, Sam Kofi Atta Mills. Ernestina served as Second Lady from 1996 to 2001 and later as First Lady during Mills’ presidency from 2009 to 2012.

As First Lady, she actively promoted education and social welfare programs, focusing on improving the lives of women and children. Following her husband’s passing in 2012, Ernestina remained dedicated to humanitarian efforts and continued to honour his legacy through various initiatives.

Net Worth

John Atta Mills’ net worth at his death is not publicly documented. As a former president of Ghana and a prominent politician, he likely held assets and benefits typical of his position. While his administration prioritized economic reforms and social welfare, details about his wealth remain unknown.