Statement by IFES President and CEO Bill Sweeney on the Death of Ghanaian President John Atta Mills

IFES is deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of President John Atta Mills of Ghana on Tuesday. Our condolences go out to his family, his colleagues and to the Ghanaian people, who have lost an extraordinary leader and a powerful voice for democracy.

Ghana has emerged as a model of democratic stability, freedom and prosperity in Africa. The democratic values that took root under President Mills' leadership were evident in the immediate and constitutional transfer of power to Vice President John Dramani Mahama. As the country prepares for national elections in December, we are confident the legacy of President Mills will endure in the Ghanaian people's commitment to democracy now and in the future.