The late Professor John Evans Atta Mills, a highly respected figure in Ghanaian politics who served as the country’s president from 2009 until his untimely death in 2012, has his family announced plans to pursue legal action against Koku Anyidoho, CEO of the Atta Mills Institute, for allegedly tarnishing the former president’s legacy.
Following chaotic scenes at the wreath-laying ceremony at Asomdwee Park marking the 12th anniversary of President Mills’ passing, Samuel Atta Mills, brother of the late president, condemned Anyidoho’s actions as disrespectful.
Anyidoho allegedly exceeded his allotted time, brought in individuals posing as family members, and made statements that were not approved by the family. He was also accused of improperly using the Atta Mills name and interfering with the late president’s resting place without family consent.
“We are taking steps to legally prevent him from using the name Atta Mills. He is not Atta Mills and never will be,” Samuel Atta Mills stated during a press briefing in Accra.
The incident sparked uproar during the memorial service, which saw Anyidoho exceed his allotted time and allegedly bring in individuals posing as family members. Nii Lante Vanderpuye, Member of Parliament for Odododiodoo, criticized the government for granting Anyidoho access to organize the event.
“Auntie Araba [Mercy Araba Ahema Quarshie] is a direct senior sister of Prof. Atta Mills. Cadman Atta Mills is alive, Samuel Atta Mills is alive, the son Kofi Atta Mills is alive,” Vanderpuye remarked, underlining the family’s united front in their objections to Anyidoho’s involvement without proper family representation.
Vanderpuye also pointed out longstanding collaborations between the NDC and the Atta Mills family in organizing memorial events, expressing the family’s disappointment in the state’s handling of the situation.
Wednesday’s events underscored tensions surrounding President Atta Mills’s legacy and commemoration. Vanderpuye, in a show of the family’s unwavering commitment, asserted their intent to protect his memory from perceived exploitation.
