“He Believed in Us” – Charlotte Osei Pays Glowing Tribute to Late President Mills
By: Nana Kwasi Roka
Former Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Charlotte Kesson-Smith Osei, has paid a heartfelt tribute to late President Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, describing him as a father figure, mentor and leader who believed deeply in Ghana’s youth.
Delivering the 13th edition of the J.E.A. Mills Memorial Lecture in Accra, Charlotte Osei reflected on her personal journey under the guidance of Prof. Mills – from a student in his law class to speechwriter and eventually, the first woman to be appointed as Chair of the NCCE in 2011.
“I speak as a mentee reflecting on the profound impact of a teacher who saw potential where others saw youth, who offered opportunity where others saw inexperience,” she said. “Prof was a father figure who changed my life.”
She described the former President’s mentorship as patient yet challenging, grounded in accessibility, authenticity and unwavering support. “He believed in me at a time when I was still learning to believe in myself,” she said, her voice filled with emotion.
Charlotte recounted that even as Vice President, Mills would send for his mentees when he hadn’t seen them in a while. “He never changed. The man, the teacher, the president – he remained the same Prof. Humble, Thoughtful, Kind,” she said.
She also recalled her last emotional meeting with him shortly before his death in 2012. Saddened by media attacks, Prof. Mills expressed frustration. In response, she told him: “They will only appreciate you when you’re gone.” Months later, he passed.
“I’ve never forgotten that moment,” she said. “His death was not only a loss to Ghana, but a personal heartbreak for many of us who learned directly under his guidance.”
Ending her tribute, Charlotte Osei urged Ghanaian leaders and youth to carry forward Prof. Mills’ values: “May we be worthy of Prof’s trust, faithful to his example and tireless in continuing the work he began.”
