Author: Victoria Kwofie
The legacy of the late President Professor John Evans Atta-Mills continues to resonate deeply within Ghana’s hockey community, as the 13th Annual Commemorative Hockey Tournament took place at the Theodosia Okoh Hockey Pitch in Accra.
One of the voices echoing that legacy was the President of the Ghana Hockey Association, who fondly recalled how his journey was shaped by Prof. Mills, not just as a sportsman, but as a scholar.
“I have known him since I was called to the junior national team. I was 19-year-old,” he shared. “At that time, he was the President of the Ghana University Sports Association (GUSA), and later, he became President of the Ghana Hockey Association.”
The GHA President highlighted the late Prof. Mills’ unique passion for balancing sports and academics. “He cared as much for our academic pursuits as for our sporting laurels,” he said. “Yes, he was a law professor, but he encouraged others outside of his profession. I was an engineering student at KNUST, and he still made time to encourage me.”
His gratitude went beyond words, Prof. Mills even wrote a recommendation that helped him pursue further studies in Canada. “I’m eternally grateful to him,” he added.
Beyond the personal impact, the GHA President emphasized the visionary role Mills played in developing hockey infrastructure in Ghana. “He built the initial pitch here,” he said, pointing to the current field. “Then I came through Ghana Gas to help raise our facilities. We shared the same development pillars, facilities, personnel, and funding.”
He underscored that Prof. Mills wasn’t only focused on players but invested in the growth of technical staff and referees as well. “He paid attention to funding, which is still a major challenge for lesser-known sports,” he noted.
Events like the commemorative tournament, the GHA President stressed, help preserve Mills’ memory. “This is the 13th time we’re doing this. I do hope it continues. His humility, despite all his achievements, taught us all a lot.”
In a heartwarming reflection, he also pointed out the success of Prof. Mills’ former players; “Three of us, myself, Professor Dodu, and Lawyer Richard Akpokavie, now the President of the Ghana Olympic Committee, were all mentored by him. He pushed us to go beyond just playing hockey.”
The tournament, which drew participation from teams across the country, forms part of a week-long series of events in July to honour the late president, who passed away in 2012. His enduring legacy, according to those who knew him, is not only in the trophies lifted but in the lives he quietly elevated.