Caretaker leader takes over in Ghana after president dies

Hours after the unexpected death of President John Atta Mills, Ghana has a new leader.

According to the country’s constitution, Vice-President John Dramani Mahama was sworn in as head of state. He will serve in a caretaker capacity until elections at the end of this year.

It was a sombre Mahama who addressed the chamber:

“This is the saddest day in our nation’s history. Tears have engulfed our nation and we are deeply saddened and distraught. I’ve lost a father, I’ve lost a friend, I’ve lost a mentor and a senior comrade,” he said.

The late John Atta Mills won international praise for overseeing Ghana’s emergence as one of Africa’s newest oil producers, earning respect for his economic policies and his commitment to democracy.

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