Managing Editor of the Insight Newspaper, Kwesi Pratt, has recounted poignant memories of his interactions with the late President John Evans Atta Mills.

During the 12th anniversary event of Prof. Mills' passing at the University of Ghana, Legon Conference Centre, Pratt shared a memory from 2008 where he inquired about Prof. Mills' health and readiness for the presidential race.

Prof. Mills admitted to having health concerns but remained optimistic about his recovery following a medical examination in South Africa.

“Professor Mills admitted that he had been unwell but insisted the doctors in South Africa had said that he would be alright. I left Prof. feeling somehow assured that he was worthy for the fight ahead of him and the National Democratic Congress on December 7, 2008,” Pratt said on July 19.

Pratt also remembered a discussion with the late President during a visit to the Freedom Center, where Prof. Mills participated in an event despite significant vision issues.

Following the event, Pratt posed a challenging question to him.

“Prof. Can you make it?” Pratt asked.

“Make what?” Prof. Mills replied.

Pratt clarified, and Prof. Mills responded with unwavering commitment: “I will use the last ounce of energy in me to serve the people. I can’t give up now. The country is in a very dire situation, and I am ready to make sacrifices to be part of the rescue team.”

Prof. Mills took office as Ghana's President in 2009 following his victory in the December 2008 elections.

He died on July 24, 2012, just months before the election while still serving as President and campaigning for re-election.

John Mahama, the Vice-President, was sworn in as President after Mills' death and went on to win the 2012 elections for the NDC.