World leaders pay tribute to Ghana’s deceased President

Accra, 25 Jul – (ANA) -  Liberia's President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf extended her condolences to Ghanaians, saying the news had come as a surprise.

"On a personal level his moderation and integrity stood out," Mrs Johnson-Sirleaf said, adding that Mr Atta Mills had played a strong role at the regional meetings they both attended.

US President Barack Obama also paid tribute, praising Mr Atta Mills as a "strong advocate for human rights and for the fair treatment of all Ghanaians", according to a White House statement.

Mr Atta Mills served as vice-president to former Ghanaian military ruler Jerry Rawlings between 1997 and January 2001.

He came to power after narrowly winning against a candidate from the then governing New Patriotic Party, Nana Akufo-Addo, in polls in December 2008.

His predecessor, John Kufuor, stepped down after having served the maximum two four-year terms. Under Mr Atta Mills' leadership, Ghana joined the ranks of the world's large-scale oil producers. (ANA)

FA/ANA/25 July 2012-------