President John Atta Mills of Ghana at age 68

In apparent anticipation of a long period of incapacitation, the President had written to the members of Parliament with his last wishes.

Ghana’s President John Atta Mills died at the age of 68.

(WASHINGTON DC) - Ghana’s President John Atta Mills, who was most recently treated in the U.S. for an unspecified condition, has reportedly passed away. His replacement will be sworn in Tonight.

Questions about the President’s health had been swirling for almost a year.

Regarding his frequent visits to U.S. hospitals – 3 this year alone - President Mills replied:

"I am going for a medical checkup. I go there to ensure everything is okay. I am going to see my doctors for some examination then I will come back and continue my work of building a Better Ghana."

His death reportedly occurred at the 37 Military hospital in Accra.

Prof John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills was born on July 21, 1944 and was 68 years old at the time of his passing.

He was the third and current President of the Fourth Republic of Ghana and was inaugurated on Jan. 7, 2009, having defeated the ruling party candidate Nana Akufo-Addo in the 2008 election.

He was last seen in Ghana on June 3 when he toured the plane crash site at Accra. The President was reported to be crestfallen for seeing the crash site.

Critics however said he was looking poorly because he was dragged to that site when he was not feeling well.

He was expected to visit Nigeria in August for a one-day working visit with President Goodluck Jonathan to discuss the recent foreign retail trade brouhaha.

Vice President John Dramani Mahama is expected to fill the executive’s functions in the interim.

In apparent anticipation of a long period of incapacitation, the President had written to the members of Parliament with his last wishes. His letter, read today, to the MPs said:

"In accordance with Article 59 of the Constitution of Ghana, I write to inform you that I shall be away in the US from Saturday, 16 June to Monday 25 June, 2012 for a routine medical check-up.

"During my absence the Vice-President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E John Dramani Mahama, shall in accordance with Article 60 (8) of the Constitution act in my stead. Kindly accept, Right Honourable the assurances of my highest consideration."

No plans have been announced as yet for his burial.

Source: Sahara Reporters.

Submitted by: Jennifer Fierberg, MSW